The uses of calcium, as the experts in this episode explain, are incredibly varied. It plays an essential role in biological processes like nerve conduction, the release of neurotransmitters and muscle contraction. It was also the compound used to build aqueducts in Rome, and it can be used to identify car paint at a crime scene. This Element of Surprise segment features the following experts: Inna Lykova, Mineralogist, Canadian Museum of Nature; Deborah Zimmerman, Professor, Nephrologist, Ottawa Hospital; and Diane Beauchemin, Associate Head of Chemistry, Queen's University.

From the Curio.ca streaming audio-visual collection.