New element confirmed

BERLIN – Scientists in Sweden said Tuesday they have confirmed the existence of a new chemical element, but its name may need some work.

Researchers at Lund University said their find backs up claims by teams in Russia and the United States a decade ago that had remained unverified until now.

The Swedish scientists said they conducted experiments which allowed them to detect the “fingerprint” of the short-lived but super-heavy element that’s been dubbed ununpentium. The name, which refers to the element’s 115th place in the periodic table, is only provisional.

The element will likely get a new name if the discovery is formally approved by experts from the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics and Chemistry.