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Article: Energized Quest for Fusion; Skepticism Fades as Theories Emerge
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- April 13, 1989
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Three weeks ago physicists and chemists across the country were
startled and puzzled by claims from the University of Utah that
sustained nuclear fusion-envisioned as a possible source of almost
inexhaustible energy-had been achieved in a glass jar of water at
room temperature.
The claim, though supported by few details and apparently
contradicting the prevailing theory of nuclear fusion, nonetheless
drove scientists to their laboratories. The method seemed so
absurdly simple that many could try to confirm it with only a few
hours of preparation using materials at hand.
In the days since, overwhelming skepticism has given way to a
suspicion that there might be something to it.
Yesterday, ...