re: private sector nuclear fusion
I'm following the small fusion efforts as best as I can (calling them "private" isn't always accurate--I think the Bussard concept is being mostly funded by the Navy right now). But they're keeping their work very close to the chest. Not that you can blame them. Also, I find some of the physics issues tough to follow.
But again, their goal is to make something that works. I wouldn't be surprised if they succeeded first. Wouldn't be the first time.