20 episodes

The National Security Science podcast is a spin-off of National Security Science magazine at Los Alamos National Laboratory. We bring you stories from the Lab’s Weapons Program—stories that show how innovative science and engineering are the key to keeping America safe. Or, as we like to say, better science equals better security.

National Security Science Podcast Brenda Fleming, J. Weston Phippen, Whitney Spivey, Los Alamos National Laboratory

    • Science
    • 4.1 • 10 Ratings

The National Security Science podcast is a spin-off of National Security Science magazine at Los Alamos National Laboratory. We bring you stories from the Lab’s Weapons Program—stories that show how innovative science and engineering are the key to keeping America safe. Or, as we like to say, better science equals better security.

    Decarbonizing Aviation Industry, Lab's Energy Coordinator, Energy Panel with Leadership in National Security

    Decarbonizing Aviation Industry, Lab's Energy Coordinator, Energy Panel with Leadership in National Security

    Energy research is taking center stage at Los Alamos National Laboratory. During a recent panel discussion, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Undersecretary of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator Jill Hruby and Charles Oppenheimer, the grandson of the Lab’s first director J. Robert Oppenheimer, visited the Lab and took part in a panel discussion. In this episode, we will listen to excerpts of that panel. Then, we will check in with the Lab’s new climate and clean energy coordinator, Matt Heavner, to hear about some of the ongoing energy work the Lab is doing, and to learn why a laboratory that is known more for weapons research will be pivotal in addressing climate issues. Lastly, we will check in with a team of researchers at the Lab to understand why an organism as small and simple as algae could hold the key to decarbonizing the aviation industry.

    • 39 min
    Manhattan Project Wartime Holiday Stories; Edith Warner Christmas Letters 1943; Eleanor Jette Reflections on Los Alamos Festivities and Oppenheimer

    Manhattan Project Wartime Holiday Stories; Edith Warner Christmas Letters 1943; Eleanor Jette Reflections on Los Alamos Festivities and Oppenheimer

    As we welcome the holiday season at Los Alamos National Laboratory, we’re taking a look back to the Manhattan Project. If you love Los Alamos history and the holidays–this podcast is for you! We will listen to holiday wartime stories of living on the Pajarito Plateau and under the leadership of J. Robert Oppenheimer, written by Edith Warner and Eleanor Jette, and read by Bradbury Science Museum director Linda Deck and National Security Science magazine writer Jill Gibson.

    • 12 min
    Robert Wilson and Early days of Physics Division; Los Alamos R&D winners; Linda Deck reads Women Army Core poem

    Robert Wilson and Early days of Physics Division; Los Alamos R&D winners; Linda Deck reads Women Army Core poem

    EPISODE FEATURE
    National Security Science J. Weston Phippen reads an article published in 1992 titled, “A reluctant division leader,” by the first Manhattan Project Physics division leader, Robert Wilson. Wilson talks about the early days at Los Alamos.

    LABCAST
    Ten Los Alamos projects have won innovation awards. The R&D 100 awards are considered the 'Oscars of Invention' and honor the best inventions of the past year.

    HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE HILL
    Bradbury Science museum director reads a World War II–era poem by the Women’s Army Corps stationed in Los Alamos.

    • 19 min
    Oppenheimer Talks Bohr 1964, NSRC Documentary, Macaw Eggs at Los Alamos

    Oppenheimer Talks Bohr 1964, NSRC Documentary, Macaw Eggs at Los Alamos

    National Security Science Writer Ian Laird narrates along with a special recording of Oppenheimer from his return to Los Alamos in 1964. He spoke to a packed audience at Los Alamos high school about Niels Bohr. LANL Los Alamos National Laboratory’s National Security Science Research Center releases a 3-part documentary on J Robert Oppenheimer. Scanning electron microscopy explores macaw eggshell remains.

    • 18 min
    Testing without Nuclear Yield; Nevada Episode (3 of 3)

    Testing without Nuclear Yield; Nevada Episode (3 of 3)

    U.S nuclear weapons have played a critical role in preventing conflict among major powers since the end of World War II. Ensuring the safety and reliability of this nuclear deterrent is an essential part of national security. But, how can scientists test and evaluate the U.S. nuclear stockpile in the absence of nuclear testing? In this episode of the National Security Science podcast, we’ll learn all about new experiments to ensure the United States maintains a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear stockpile. It all starts nearly 1,000 feet underground.

    • 16 min
    Nuclear Testing Moratorium, Pivot to Stockpile Stewardship; Nevada Episode (2 of 3)

    Nuclear Testing Moratorium, Pivot to Stockpile Stewardship; Nevada Episode (2 of 3)

    On September 23, 1992, the United States conducted Divider, an underground test at the Nevada Test Site, which is now called the Nevada National Security Site. The test, designed and executed by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, was the nation’s 1,054th and final nuclear weapons test before the current testing moratorium. Divider marked the end of an era that began with the Trinity test. Thirty years later, the National Security Science magazine team paid a visit to the Divider test site. We traveled with group of scientists who had been involved with underground nuclear testing to mark this historic anniversary.

    • 11 min

Customer Reviews

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