HealthAugust 17, 2026

lanthanide

LAN-thuh-nide

Definition

Any of a series of fifteen metallic elements in the periodic table that are chemically similar and are often used as markers or catalysts in research.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'lanthanein,' meaning 'to be hidden,' because these elements were famously difficult to isolate and distinguish from one another.

In the news

In this article, the researchers engineered the surface of exosomes with lanthanide ions to help these particles better identify and attach to senescent cells.

Goda Lab Advances in XPRIZE Healthspan Contest

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