New Type of Nuclear Fusion

As energy needs expand and the quest for abundant, sustainable energy sources increasingly turns to fusion, the Small Aspect Ratio Tokamak (SMART) represents a significant step forward. 

The first plasma has been achieved recently by this experimental fusion device, an incredible milestone, developed by researchers at the Plasma Science and Fusion Technology Laboratory of the University of Seville. 

SMART, unlike the traditional tokamak, investigates the unprecedented idea of negative triangularity, , a configuration that could revolutionize the energy efficiency of fusion. But what does this mean for the future of energy production?

Tokamaks: The key to a more efficient future
Tokamaks, donut-shaped machines designed to keep super-heated plasma stable, depend on these carefully ordered arrangements to stay stable. Upside-down, plasma has traditionally been positive triangularity, in which its “D” shape has its curved edge facing outward.     READ MORE...

SMART Tokamak Fusion with Plasma

The University of Seville’s SMART tokamak has achieved a critical milestone by creating its first tokamak plasma, utilizing a unique negative triangularity that increases stability and efficiency.

This advancement signals a promising future for fusion energy, potentially revolutionizing how we generate power.

Breakthrough in Fusion Energy
The SMART device has achieved a major milestone by successfully generating its first tokamak plasma, marking a significant step toward the goal of sustainable, clean, and virtually limitless fusion energy. This achievement brings the global fusion research community closer to making controlled fusion a practical energy source.

SMART is a cutting-edge experimental fusion device developed and operated by the Plasma Science and Fusion Technology Laboratory at the University of Seville. What makes SMART unique is its advanced ability to flexibly shape plasmas, setting it apart as the only spherical tokamak of its kind in the world. 

It is specifically designed to explore the physics and engineering potential of negative triangularity plasmas, a promising approach for developing compact fusion power plants based on spherical tokamak designs.     READ MORE...

Increasing Longevity

A study found that phytoene, a carotenoid, extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans and reduces Alzheimer’s-related plaque effects. Researchers are exploring its broader potential in disease prevention.

Researchers from the Color and Food Quality group at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, in partnership with Dr. Marina Ezcurra’s team at the University of Kent (UK), have demonstrated that the carotenoid phytoene extends the lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. 

Additionally, it delays the onset of paralysis linked to amyloid plaque formation in an Alzheimer’s disease model.  Specifically, increases in longevity of between 10 and 18.6% and decreases in the proteotoxic effect of plaques of between 30 and 40% were observed. 

The studies, which form part of Ángeles Morón Ortiz’s doctoral thesis, tested pure phytoene and extracts rich in this carotenoid obtained from microalgae.     READ MORE...