THE effort to populate that enduring symbol of chemistry 鈥� the periodic table 鈥� with ever-heavier elements is replete with wild claims, intense competition and clever detective work, combined with frustrating bureaucracy (see 鈥淓lement 112 joins the periodic table鈥�). It鈥檚 a quest that has all the drama of a soap opera. Yet its implications go far beyond the textbooks, and could elucidate the way the fundamental forces glue atoms together. Exotic new chemistries may also emerge. All in all, it鈥檚 the ultimate riposte to those who claim that chemistry is boring.
Elemental drive
The effort to populate the periodic table with new elements is replete with intense competition, clever science, and frustrating bureaucracy 鈥� but at least it is never boring