THE FIRST NUCLEAR reactor on earth went critical 2 billion years ago in western Africa when groundwater seeped into a rich vein of uranium ore. It controlled itself elegantly, its water moderator ...

The 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is this week. It was the only time nuclear warheads were used during war. Here’s a look at the history and current U.S. stockpile.

Atomic bombs gave the promise of wielding unspeakable power and could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the globe. It was therefore pursued with vigour by all of the world’s powers who feared ...