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Today in History: Scientists synthesize californium at Berkeley Lab

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 17, 1950, scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory announced the successful synthesis of californium, a radioactive transuranium element. This achievement marked a significant milestone in chemistry, as californium became the sixth transuranium element created and was named in honor of California and the University of California.

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Story summary

On March 17, 1950, scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory announced the successful synthesis of californium, a radioactive transuranium element. This achievement marked a significant milestone in chemistry, as californium became the sixth transuranium element created and was named in honor of California and the University of California.