13-year-old becomes the youngest person to carry out nuclear fusion

 

 A 13-year-old boy has become the youngest person in the world to carry out nuclear fusion - with a handmade device in his school science lab.


Jamie Edwards, from Preston, spent over a year building the reactor and today made history as he used the device to smash hydrogen atoms together to make helium.

The feat is known as making 'a star in a jar' - because it is the same reaction which produces the sun's energy.

 

Jamie had to carry out the task before his birthday this Sunday to take the record from American teenager Taylor Wilson, who carried out the same feat a year older at 14 back in 2008.

He has since gone on to have his work on nuclear security funded by the US Government and has won a $100,000 scholarship.

Jamie, who started his project in December 2012, described himself as 'ecstatic' after breaking the record as his science teachers looked on.

He said: "It is quite an achievement. It's magnificent really.

"I can't quite believe it - even though all my friends think I am mad.

"One day I was looking on the internet for radiation and I can across Taylor Wilson and his reactor.

"I thought 'that looks cool' and decided to have a go.


"Basically, I made a star in a jar. It's an amazing really, quite a feat, to be from Penwortham and be the youngest person in the world to do this."

The device, built in a science lab at Penwortham Priory Academy, cost around £2,000 to create and was funded by the school.

Jamie and his friend George Baker had previously contacted professional physists asking of they would fund the project but to no avail, until their school stumped up the cash.

Before being able to use the reactor Jamie had to attend a risk assesment and safety course, while nuclear experts from the University of Manchester also carried out safety checks.

Penwortham Priory head teacher Jim Hourigan said: "I was a bit stunned and I have to say a little nervous when Jamie suggested this but he reassured me he wouldn't blow up the school.

"We are about the individual and helping youngsters achieve, it's not about league tables.

"Jamie is a fabulous student and his parents are very proud."