Nuclear Fusion

Scientists at a research lab in the US are preparing an attempt to create a nuclear fusion reaction. Whereas nuclear fission in a power plant involves splitting atoms, nuclear fusion as occurs in stars involves fusing atoms together.

If these scientists were to succeed, it could provide a vast source of energy much greater than what can be obtained by burning the Earth's fossil fuels.

According to John Sutter, in this CNN article, "If they're successful, the scientists hope to solve the global energy crisis by harnessing the energy generated by the mini-star."

The ability to harness energy from human-made nuclear fusion reactions can provide a range of options for future scenarios in cinema and fiction.