Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The Method: Researching Auto Pollution And Protecting Nuclear Plants

Tennessee Valley Authority

Automakers decided to meet fuel economy standards by making new gasoline direct-injected engines. But scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered those engines may be bigger polluters than current motors, generating as much as ten times more particulate matter, or soot. ORNL researcher John Storey talks with WUOT's Chrissy Keuper.

At the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant in Rhea County, one man is paid to figure out how to destroy the reactors...and then keep it from happening. Brandon Hollingsworth meets him.