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Berkelium

The 97^th element was discovered by researchers at the University of California at Berkeley; hence, the name "berkelium". This silver-coloured radioactive metal is attacked by oxygen, steam and acids, but is not affected by alkalis.

From a biological perspective, the toxicity of individual berkelium isotopes varies, depending on the type of radiation emitted and the length of exposure. Berkelium accumulates in the skeletal systems of rats following prolonged exposure to the element's radiation. Also, the formation of red blood cells is adversely affected by exposure to radiation from berkelium.

Berkelium is rarely found geologically. Small quantities are generated from plutonium in nuclear reactors.