ITER

Chinese state media is reporting that scientists working on the EAST experimental nuclear fusion reactor have achieved a new world record by holding plasma of 120 million degrees Celsius for 101 seconds in their latest round of experiments.

For nearly a century, scientists have been tantalized by the prospect of attaining an inexhaustible source of energy through nuclear fusion. Achieving this goal is not so easy, as it turns out, but that doesn't mean exciting advances aren't being made.

Lured by the prospect of nearly inexhaustible source of clean energy, scientists have been investigating nuclear fusion reactors for decades, but a new facility taking shape in southern France will provide them with their biggest proving ground yet.