Investigation of Nazi uranium could help stop modern nuclear smuggling

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Susan Montoya Bryan/AP/Shutterstock (10714089d) Cube of uranium is displayed, at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque, N.M. The "Dark Cube" was part of Adolf Hilter's last attempt at a nuclear reactor and represented a threat that helped to propel the United States' secret Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb. Thursday marked the 75th anniversary of the world's first atomic detonation Atomic Anniversary, Albuquerque, United States - 15 Jul 2020

A cube of uranium is displayed at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in New Mexico

Susan Montoya Bryan/AP/Shutterstock

A method to prove the origin of uranium cubes believed to have been salvaged from the Nazi atomic bomb programme could help law enforcement investigate illegal trafficking of nuclear material.

The Nazis had two nuclear weapons programmes during the second world war. Some 1200 cubes of uranium were created, and approximately 600 made their way to the US in the closing stages of the war, according to Jon Schwantes at the Pacific Northwest …

source: newscientist.com