Cobalt is an essential trace element. It's part of vitamin B-12, which your body needs to make red blood cells. Among other uses, high-powered magnets can be made from alloys of cobalt, and the isotope Cobalt-60 is commonly used in cancer treatments. This Element of Surprise segment features the following experts: Cathleen Crudden, Canada Research Chair, Chemistry, Queen's University, and Malcolm McEwen, Team Leader, Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada (NRC).

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