Molecule may aid nuclear waste clean-up

Scientists have produced a previously unseen uranium molecule, in a move that could improve clean-up of nuclear waste. The distinctive butterfly-shaped compound is similar to radioactive molecules that scientists had proposed to be key components of nuclear waste. However, these were thought too unstable to exist for long. Researchers have shown the compound to be robust, which implies that molecules with a similar structure may be present in radioactive waste. Better clean-up. University scientists, who carried out the study, say their findings suggest the molecule may play a role in forming clusters of radioactive material in waste. These are difficult to separate during clean-up.