Japanese Scientists' First Synthesis of Element 113 Temporarily Named 'Ununtrium'

Japanese scientists are claiming they have finally synthesized the elusive element 113, called ununtrium, which is one of the missing elements from the periodic table of elements. According to Live Science, element 113 has 113 protons in its nucleus and is not found naturally on earth.

The announcement made on Wednesday by RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science, if confirmed, would mark the first time Japanese researchers have been able to synthesize an element, the Los Angeles Times reported. The temporarily name given to the element is ununtrium meaning one-one-three.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Kosuke Morita, leader of the research group, said, "For over nine years, we have been searching for data conclusively identifying element 113, and now that at last we have it, it feels like a great weight has been lifted from our shoulders."

According to the Los Angeles Times, the scientists collided zinc, which has 30 protons, with bismuth, which has 83, to create element 113. However, like other synthetic elements, element 113 quickly decayed. The research team then observed the elements decay process allowing them to confirm the element's existence.

According to Live Science, 20 different synthetic elements have been created since 1940. Element 113 is not the biggest synthesized element, the Los Angeles Times reported, but element 118 is. Morita said that his scientists' next challenge would be creating the largest synthesized element.

"I would like to thank all the researchers and staff involved in this momentous result, who persevered with the belief that one day 113 would be ours. For our next challenge, we look to the uncharted territory of element 119 and beyond," he said.