review
An intoxication conversation; Reviews of all things alcohol for all fans of the hard stuff, including best brands, films and bars.
Why the US needs Russian uranium
Why the US needs Russian uranium The blade glides smoothly as the paper and plastic crinkle in the background, accompanied by upbeat music. - [Woman] Matt, what is the reason behind having a piece of uranium ore in the studio? - It's simply because it's fascinating. It has a mysterious allure to it, and it was omitted from a significant list that made headlines. - Today, I am making an announcement regarding the prohibition of Russian oil, gas, and energy imports. - The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has shed light on a lesser-known issue in the nuclear fuel supply chain, which could have significant implications for the future of nuclear power in the United States. (counter clicks) (upbeat music) In light of the Ukraine crisis, the U.S. and other nations have imposed sanctions on Russia, targeting energy resources such as oil and gas, but not uranium. - Russia plays a crucial role in the global nuclear energy sector, especially in terms of the uranium supply chain. - Justine Calma is a. The U.S. has the ability to easily distance itself from Russian oil and gas, but has struggled to do the same with uranium due to our significant reliance on Russia for this resource. Uranium is a popular nuclear fuel because its isotope, U-235, can be easily split during fission, resulting in the release of a large amount of energy. Despite the ongoing debate surrounding nuclear power, it still accounts for approximately half of the carbon-free electricity generated in the U.S. The Biden administration is currently making substantial investments in nuclear energy in order to achieve the country's climate objectives, which is why uranium is a topic of discussion. When discussing nuclear power, it all begins with uranium ore, which is radioactive in nature. This is why we are wearing protective gloves. We have consulted with experts on the proper handling of this material and are taking all necessary precautions, but it is important to note that this should not be attempted at home. The majority of uranium ore, like the sample shown here, contains very little uranium. Low-grade uranium ore typically only contains around 0.1% uranium, with the remainder consisting of ordinary rock along with elements such as lead, thorium, and others.Bismuth is slowly decaying into uranium, but it's actually the daughter products that are setting off our Geiger counter. We require a more sensitive device to detect the uranium. Somewhere in this sample, there is a small amount of uraninite, a mineral rich in uranium, which is essentially a concentrated form of uranium. This mineral is just one of many that contain uranium, but most of the uranium in these minerals is not suitable for fuel. Naturally occurring uranium has very low levels of U-235. The bottom line is that a large amount of uranium ore is needed to produce a small amount of fuel, and a significant amount of effort is required to make this happen. To be used as nuclear fuel, uranium must undergo a conversion and enrichment process, which involves packing a large amount of U-235 into a small space.Uranium must be mined, processed into yellow cake, converted into a gas, enriched to increase U-235 concentrations, and then fabricated into fuel rods. This complex process is outsourced to a few countries such as France, Russia, and China. However, there are security concerns throughout the supply chain, as enriched uranium can be used for both nuclear energy and weapons. With the growing demand for nuclear power, the supply chain is under scrutiny, especially in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its impact on U.S.-Russia relations.One possible solution to the issue at hand could be the establishment of a strategic uranium reserve. This reserve would essentially consist of a stockpile of uranium intended to supply our power plants in case of emergencies. For instance, if the ongoing war persists, we could potentially tap into our strategic uranium reserve. The conflict also poses a threat to the development of next-generation nuclear reactors. While most current plants operate on fuel enriched to 5% of U-235, newer reactors under development require levels as high as 20%. The increased concentration of U-235 in the fuel enhances efficiency, enabling the construction of smaller reactors compared to the large-scale ones in operation today. By reducing the size of reactors, we can also reduce costs, which have been a major obstacle to the expansion of nuclear energy. Presently, Russia is the sole country capable of commercially producing this advanced fuel. However, the U.S. is in the process of establishing its own production facility to address this challenge.The development of NextGen fuel is underway, but significant time will be required to make a substantial impact on American uranium independence. As efforts are made to accumulate and enrich uranium, some suggest that the United States should also resume mining operations, despite its checkered history. Between the 1940s and 1980s, mining companies extracted large quantities of uranium ore in the Western U.S., leading to long-lasting environmental consequences that the EPA is still working to address. Numerous indigenous communities oppose the resumption of mining activities on or near their territories, which remain contaminated with hazardous waste. For instance, the Navajo Nation is dealing with the aftermath of hundreds of uranium mines that have been linked to severe health issues, including cancer, due to water contamination and other legacies of past mining operations. The challenges associated with nuclear power extend beyond mining, encompassing the storage of radioactive waste and the risk of meltdowns, underscoring the high stakes involved. The Biden administration has recently outlined a target of achieving 100% carbon-free energy by 2035, with nuclear power being a key component of this objective. Consequently, the ongoing debate surrounding nuclear power is likely to become more intense as these issues are addressed. It is undeniable that climate change poses a critical global crisis that demands immediate action.The current crisis we are facing is leading to significant debates on how to address it, with nuclear energy being a key point of contention. Advocates for nuclear energy argue that beggars can't be choosers - we need carbon-free energy, and nuclear energy provides a viable option despite its imperfections. The debate surrounding this issue is unlikely to be resolved in the near future, so it seems we will have to rely on nuclear energy for the time being. Can I wash my hands now? You guessed it, Russia.
By Kevon Thompson 17 days ago in Proof
5 Reasons to Choose Waterproof Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets
When designing or renovating a kitchen, choosing the right substances for shelves is essential. One material that stands out for its durability, aesthetics, and practicality is water-proof plywood. Among the many manufacturers to be had, Austin Plywood is a pinnacle desire for many house owners and contractors. Here are five compelling reasons why you need to pick out waterproof plywood for your kitchen shelves.
By Lokesh Rahul23 days ago in Proof
The Importance of Proof in Scientific Research
Scientific research serves as the cornerstone of our understanding of the world around us. It provides the basis for advancements in technology, medicine, and numerous other fields. Central to the credibility of scientific research is the concept of proof, which ensures that findings are reliable and can be trusted by the scientific community and the public alike. This article explores the importance of proof in scientific research, highlighting its role in establishing the validity of research findings and driving scientific progress.
By BLESSING COOL 3 months ago in Proof
Understanding Mold Testing in the San Francisco Bay Area: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction: Mold growth in homes and commercial spaces can pose significant health risks and structural damage if left unattended. In the San Francisco Bay Area, where the coastal climate can contribute to mold proliferation, it becomes crucial for property owners to be proactive in addressing mold issues. This article delves into the importance of mold testing, exploring various aspects such as mold inspection, mold culturing, and highlighting case studies from the Bay Area.
By Bayareamoldpros6 months ago in Proof
The Islamic Principle of Money
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established the basis for a harmonious connection with wealth 1400 years ago. To structure your financial dealings, we present 10 principles derived from the Hadith. Islamic Finance is dedicated to educating individuals about Halal investments, and personal finance, and aiding Muslims in making informed decisions aligned with Halal principles. Thus, we present these 10 principles derived from the Hadith to guide your financial journey.
By Arief Fakhriza6 months ago in Proof
Double Double: The Tale of Two Coin Clickers
In the glittering realm of smartphones, Money Earning Apps (MEAs) beckon with promises of riches unlocked by a tap, a swipe, a mindless quiz. But is this digital El Dorado paved with gold or fool's glitter? We dive into the lives of Sarah and Tom, two souls on opposite sides of the MEA coin.
By Sanchit Singh6 months ago in Proof
EVERYONE WAS WRONG ABOUT AVOCADOS...?
EVERYONE WAS WRONG ABOUT AVOCADOS If you happen to be a fan of avocados - and let's be honest, who isn't? - you may have come across the notion that these delicious fruits owe their existence to giant ground sloths from prehistoric times. This idea has been circulated by us here at SciShow, but let's delve into the details. According to the story, plants evolved to produce fruit as a means of attracting animals. These animals would then consume the fruit and subsequently disperse the seeds through their droppings, aiding in the spread of the plant species. Unlike other fruits with small seeds, avocados possess large seeds. This suggests that they were likely spread by large animals capable of swallowing the entire seed, such as the giant ground sloths that once roamed North and South America during the Pleistocene era. It sounds plausible, right? Well, as it turns out, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. Despite the widespread popularity of this myth, it is important to examine the true origins of avocados in order to uncover the kernel of truth. So, where did this idea of giant ground sloths dispersing avocados come from? The story begins in the 1980s with a scientific paper proposing a new hypothesis regarding Costa Rican plants. This paper briefly mentioned the role of large animals as seed dispersers, but did not specifically reference sloths or avocados. In the same year, another paper speculated that this concept could be applied to avocados and pointed towards ground sloths as potential dispersers. However, it is crucial to note that neither of these papers presented any actual data on sloths or avocados. It seems that publishing papers was relatively easier in the 1980s. In the 2000s, a popular science book further popularized this narrative, despite the lack of substantial evidence And extensive. And then the concept just became ingrained. It has been widely discussed and written about for many years. Numerous platforms have published articles about this interesting fact, and as I mentioned earlier - we even created a video about it a few years ago! However, there has never been a single study or project that has found any evidence of sloths consuming avocados. So, what would we need to discover in order to prove a connection? What is the definitive proof that sloths ate avocados, and how would we go about finding it? Well, it's all about science! There are several types of evidence we could search for to establish avocados as part of sloths' diet. Firstly, and this may seem obvious, sloths and avocados would need to have coexisted in the same geographical area during the same time period. Therefore, we would need to uncover fossilized remains of both species in the archaeological record dating back between 2.58 million years ago and 11,700 years ago, which is approximately when the last ground sloths became extinct. It would be even more compelling if we could find traces of avocado in sloth coprolites, which are fossilized feces, as this would confirm that sloths actually consumed the fruit. However, we currently have no evidence of either of these things. Fossilized bones and feces of ground sloths, including Mylodons and Lestodons, have been found predominantly in South America during the Pleistocene era, specifically in what is now Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. On the other hand, the first true avocados had only recently appeared in Southern Mexico around that same time. There were some other ancient species of ground sloths whose droppings were discovered closer to the region where avocados originated, such as the slightly smaller but still massive Nothrotheriops genus. However, even if these sloths lived in the same area and time period, it does not necessarily mean that they consumed avocados. For example, I live in the same area and time as poison ivy, but I do not eat poison ivy, and I never would. Determining the exact diet of these ancient sloths is a complex task. In a 2011 study, researchers analyzed the proportions of carbon and nitrogen in Lestodon bones and concluded that the giant sloths primarily fed on leafy plants. They might have consumed fruits in addition to that; however, the test cannot determine which parts of the plant the animals consumed. Coprolites left by a smaller sloth species in a cave in Cuchillo Curá, Argentina, revealed remnants of mostly grasses and sedges. Other samples of sloth feces indicated that the larger sloths consumed grasses and shrubs, similar to those from the same family as carrots and parsley. Nothrotheriops dung contained fragments of yucca and agave plants. None of these studies found any trace of DNA from laurel plants, which avocados belong to. Newer methods also allow us to examine the front end of the sloth for information about their diets. Archaeologists analyzed a tooth from the Pan-American giant ground sloth, which lived during the late Pleistocene. By analyzing the relative amounts of carbon and oxygen isotopes in the layers of the tooth, researchers reconstructed its diet throughout the year and discovered that it had a varied diet depending on the availability of shrubs and plants. Although we cannot determine the exact types of plants this sloth consumed, based on climate data, it likely consumed shrubs like juniper. What's even more astonishing is that some ancient sloths may not have limited themselves to a plant-based diet. Carbon and nitrogen analysis of their hair suggests that Darwin's ground sloth probably consumed meat, although we are not completely certain whether it was a slow-moving hunter or simply a scavenger. This opens up the possibility that other sloths could have also consumed meat. Therefore, while we have extensive data on the diets of ground sloths, none of it indicates any connection to avocados. Additionally, there is another significant flaw in the argument regarding megafauna. Avocados may not have required massive animals at all. Avocado pits from approximately 10,000 years ago were only half the size of today's seeds, measuring around 2 centimeters wide compared to the 5.5 to 6 centimeters commonly found in grocery stores. Therefore, if the avocado pits started out smaller, it suggests that they did not rely on large animals for dispersal. There must be a more plausible explanation for these enormous cavities that does not involve our slow-moving colossal companions. Interestingly, the most probable culprit appears to be a different large mammal residing in Mexico - humans! It appears that avocados served as a significant source of sustenance for the people in Mesoamerica, who began cultivating them in their gardens in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley approximately 10,000 years ago. As previously mentioned, archaeological evidence indicates that the size of the pits has increased over time. This suggests that the Mesoamericans may have deliberately chosen avocados with larger pits. Perhaps larger pits signified larger fruits or aided in the tree's growth. A substantial seed filled with starches and fats could nourish the plant during germination, increasing the likelihood of a planted seed developing into a fruitful tree. However, the reason behind these colossal pits may be just as much rooted in mythology as it is in botany. According to ancient Mayan beliefs, individuals were believed to be reborn as trees, leading them to surround their homes with fruit trees. Avocado fruits became associated with strength, and it was believed that consuming them would transfer this strength to the person. Consequently, cultivating larger avocados also meant acquiring more strength. Nevertheless, determining precisely how and when these pits grew larger remains somewhat challenging.
By berina idrizi7 months ago in Proof
Oasis
20 Feb 23 Arriving at 11:20 am on a Monday, I am surprised at the crowd in the relatively small establishment on University Avenue in the northwest side of town, and accordingly, the lack of parking. Granted, it's February in Fairbanks, so parking in most lots becomes a lawless wasteland. Plus, it's President's' Day, to boot; while I wait for my dog to potentially get his tail amputated, I am reminded I am likely not the only one with time to burn on the holiday afternoon.
By Christopher "Ski" Ganczewski7 months ago in Proof
