Human-directed nuclear transmutation was accomplished in 1917 using natural radioactive bombardment with alpha particles .
Department of Physics , University of Cambridge ( Nuclear reactions and human-directed nuclear transmutation had been accomplished as early as 1917 , but by using natural radioactive bombardment with alpha particles ) .In 2013 , the US Government Accountability Office said a shortage of lithium-7 critical to the operation of 65 out of 100 American nuclear reactors ï¿½places their ability to continue to provide electricity at some riskï¿½ .