Geoff Brumfiel

Geoff Brumfiel, NPR's science correspondent specializing in AI and nuclear power, dives into the tech giants' pursuit of nuclear energy to meet soaring demands from AI systems. He discusses the potential for nuclear plants to provide vast, emissions-free power and examines skepticism around these investments. The conversation highlights innovations like X Energy's small reactor designs and the historical context of nuclear power, stressing the urgency of finding sustainable solutions as AI's energy appetite grows.

Geoff Brumfiel, NPR's science correspondent, shares insights from his exclusive tour of a top-secret underground nuclear research facility. He discusses the shift from actual nuclear tests to advanced simulations powered by supercomputers. The conversation dives into the geopolitical implications of potential future nuclear testing as nations like Russia and China ramp up their capabilities. Brumfiel also highlights the historical context of U.S. nuclear policy and the environmental risks tied to this intense scrutiny of nuclear weapons.

Geoff Brumfiel, NPR science correspondent known for his insightful reporting on physics, explores the perplexing nature of time. He delves into how time varies, from sea level to mountaintops, revealing it might not even be a fundamental reality. The discussion takes listeners to the National Institute of Standards and Technology to examine atomic clocks and their astonishing accuracy. Challenging societal perceptions, Geoff highlights how time may be a construct of social control, prompting a reevaluation of our understanding of the universe.

Geoff Brumfiel, an NPR science correspondent, dives into the perplexities of time, revealing how it changes based on altitude and cosmic factors. He discusses his visit to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, where atomic clocks achieve near-perfect accuracy—highlighting a clock affectionately named Elvis. The conversation also challenges conventional perceptions of time, intertwining it with concepts of gravity and societal constructs. Ultimately, it invites listeners to rethink the very fabric of reality.

Geoff Brumfiel, an NPR science correspondent and expert on volcanic eruptions, discusses the recent powerful volcanic eruption in Tonga. He unveils the sequence of events leading to this explosive phenomenon. The conversation delves into Tonga's unique geological landscape, highlighting the emergence of new land from underwater eruptions. Insights into ash samples reveal critical information about magma behavior and the role of an undersea landslide in this eruption's dynamics. The pressing need for better monitoring systems for underwater volcanoes is also emphasized.