[punster]

The real clue that something does not ring true in this story is there is no mention of radiation.

The reaction between two atoms of deuterium is:

D2 + D2 yields He3 + neutron + gamma

What this implies is that for an output as low as one watt, the young man would need a lot of shielding, or he would irradiate himself to death.

[Lancey Howard]

Here's the original article with a little more information:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006611190639