Topic: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

How a humongous alien planet could explain how our solar system was born

The discovery of a colossal gas giant some 130 light-years from Earth could help explain the origins of our own solar system, say scientists.

Could computer hackers disrupt the US election? It’s happened in other countries.

Hackers have targeted elections in Mexico, Canada, Russia, and South Korea. Experts warn that it could happen in the US, causing temporary disruptions and perhaps delaying election results.

Energy Voices The promise (and shortcomings) of fusion energy

Despite difficulties in harnessing the power, fusion holds great promise in meeting our energy needs, Holland writes.

Prominent climate change denier now admits he was wrong (+video)

Richard Muller, who directed a Koch-funded climate change project, has undergone a 'total turnaround' on his stance on global warming, which he now admits is caused by human activity.

Humans responsible for warming oceans, finds study

A computer modeling study has ruled out natural fluctuations as an explanation for 50 years of rising temperatures in the upper layers of our planet's oceans.

NASA scientist's espionage attempt results in 13-year prison sentence

On Wednesday, Stewart Nozette, a high-profile former government scientist, was sentenced to 13 years for espionage after passing secrets to an FBI agent posing as an Israeli spy. He was also fined for tax evasion.

Horizons Akira Yoshizawa: Why origami matters

Akira Yoshizawa, honored Wednesday with a Google doodle on his 101st birthday, helped introduce to the world an art form that has proven very useful in mathematics and engineering.

Periodic table to welcome two new elements

Livermorium and flerovium could soon occupy the 114 and 116 spots on the periodic table of the elements. The names for the elements, which were synthesized a decade ago, were announced Thursday by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

May the fourth be with you: 5 Star Wars technologies that are becoming a reality

May the fourth be with you! The Star Wars saga was set in a galaxy, far, far away, but many of the fantastic technologies on display in the films could soon be coming to a planet near you.

Energy's checkered past and elusive future

Every energy source is a Faustian bargain. We trade comfort and convenience for deforestation, soot, radioactive waste, oil spills. But perhaps the most unsettling resource we tapped to light our homes was the one that the petroleum age displaced: the slaughter of whales for their oil.

Americans using less energy, thanks to recession, technology

Coal and oil use in the United States saw a significant dip in 2009 because of the current economic downturn and advances in technology, particularly wind power.

New transistor allows humans, machines to merge. Are cyborgs imminent?

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories in California have created a transistor that is controlled by biological proteins, allowing for electronic devices to be wired directly into the human body.

US trains nuclear detectives to trace 'loose' nukes

As nuclear safety concerns rise, the US government is building a stable of nuclear detectives – offering summer internships to those interested in radiochemistry nuclear forensics.

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Chinese hacked computers, U.S. lawmakers say

The alleged attack renews cyberwarfare concerns.