Scientists find new element

Swedish scientists say they have verified the existence of a new chemical element.

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

Researchers at Sweden's Lund University said on Tuesday 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 say 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.

Well-known chemical elements include carbon, silicon and iron.