Element news, features and articles

Beakers in front of the periodic table.
(Image credit: Tetra Images via Getty Images)

It is said that we are all made of stardust, but stardust itself is formed from the very elements that are the building blocks of everything around us. From the fundamental elements such as oxygen and carbon — the most common elements in the human body — to elusive radioactive elements like francium, researchers are piecing together the secrets of the periodic table.

So whether it's a story on stars covered in unusual elements or a list of important elements you've never heard of, our expert writers and editors always have engaging news, features and articles about elements for you to read.

Discover more about elements

—Periodic Table of Elements

—How the Periodic Table of the Elements is arranged

—What is the universe made of?

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Latest about Elements

Periodic Table of Elements.

Periodic table of elements: How it works and who created it

By Jeanna Bryner, Tim Sharp last updated

The Periodic Table, first created by Dmitri Mendeleev, organizes all of the known elements in an informative array.

Elements
A random assortment of element symbols from the periodic table

Scientists just got 1 step closer to creating a 'superheavy' element that is so big, it will add a new row to the periodic table

By Harry Baker published

Scientists have discovered a new way of creating superheavy elements by firing supercharged ion beams at dense atoms. The team believes this method could potentially help synthesize the hypothetical "element 120," which would be heavier than any known element.

Elements
Close up view of a pile of hexagons with chemical elements symbols (3d render)

Periodic table of elements quiz: How many elements can you name in 10 minutes?

By Alexander McNamara published

Quiz Can you name everything from Ac to Zr? Test your knowledge of the periodic table and see if you can top the leaderboard

Quiz
An artisan applies a gold leaf to wood by using the "guazzo" technique, burnishing the gold leaf with an agate, in a workshop of Florence.

Why is gold so soft?

By Charles Q. Choi published

Gold is the most malleable element, but what's the science behind it?

Elements
Uranium nitrate called uranyl, with uranium ore, radioactive material on isolated white background_RHJ via Getty Images

Scientists discover 1st 'neutron-rich' isotope of uranium since 1979

By Robert Lea published

Scientists have synthesized a previously unknown isotope of uranium, uranium-241, that may start to disappear after just 40 minutes.

Elements
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Elemental Shift: Periodic Table Gets Weight Changes

By Charles Q. Choi last updated

Ten elements that help make up the universe, including carbon, are getting their very atomic weights altered.

Elements
food sources that are high in zinc

Zinc: Benefits, sources & deficiency

By Anna Gora published

From immunity to skin health, we need zinc for a variety of bodily functions. Here are the best sources, as well as signs of deficiency

Elements
Natural native copper isolated on white background. VvoeVale via Getty Images

Copper: Facts about the reddish metal that has been used by humans for 8,000 years

By Stephanie Pappas published

Reference Here's a look at the element copper, including its atomic structure, history and uses today.

Reference
Uranium nitrate called uranyl, with uranium ore, radioactive material on isolated white background_RHJ via Getty Images

Uranium: Facts about the radioactive element that powers nuclear reactors and bombs

By Stephanie Pappas published

Reference Uranium is a naturally radioactive element. It powers nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.

Reference
A gold nugget

Gold: Facts, history and uses of the most malleable chemical element

By Stephanie Pappas published

Here's a look at the chemical element gold, including its properties, atomic structure and history.

Elements
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