Scientists Make a New Element

Scientists in Germany have created atoms of a new element, they say: element 117, the heaviest metal ever made, Gizmodo notes. The element, like all those with atomic numbers beyond 104, isn't found naturally and must be made in a lab, Live Science notes. Ununseptium, as the new element is temporarily being called, got its number based on the 117 protons in its nucleus. The new findings confirm reports of the metal dating back to 2010. Before it earns a place on the periodic table, however, it needs approval from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. (More elements stories.)