Surprising Science — December 7, 2010

Fusion Really Is 20 Years Away

Scientists always say that fusion is 20 years away, but this time the physicist says it’s for real.

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Every Wednesday, Michio Kaku will be answering reader questions about physics and futuristic science. If you have a question for Dr. Kaku, just post it in the comments section below and check back on Wednesdays to see if he answers it.

Today, Dr. Kaku addresses a question posed by Kaloian Pavlov: What is the future of how we produce our energy supply?

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Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Couldn’t COVID-19 have originated in a Chinese lab?

In theory, scientists could’ve produced a deadly virus that accidentally infected lab workers. In practice, we know that didn’t happen.

Yellow background with halftone globe and bold text: "The Great Progression 2025-2050.

The Future

What is The Great Progression: 2025 to 2050?

Tech expert Peter Leyden argues that we have a historic opportunity to harness AI and other transformative technologies in order to make a much better world over the next 25 years.

Abstract black and white artwork consisting of scattered and fragmented geometric shapes on a plain background.

Smart Skills

How to understand things

A brief guide to habits that separate deep understanding from superficial knowledge — and how to cultivate them.

Starts With A Bang

25-year update on the “Millennium problems” in physics

In the year 2000, physicists created a list of the ten most important unsolved problems in their field. 25 years later, here’s where we are.

The letters "AI" appear with a glitch effect in multicolored pixels against a black background.

The Present

AI skeptic Gary Marcus on AI’s moral and technical shortcomings

The cognitive scientist argues the current AI environment is failing us as consumers and a society. But it’s not too late to change course.

Up Next

Guest Thinkers

Free2Work: A Modern-Day Abolitionist Movement for Forced and Child Labor

We’ve previously looked at educational tools that help consumers make better choices when it comes to sustainability. Now, a new joint project between the Not For Sale Campaign and International […]