Curium is a synthetic element with the symbol Cm and atomic number 96. It was first discovered in 1944 by scientists Glenn T. Seaborg, Albert Ghiorso, and Emilio Segrè while they were studying the products of plutonium decay. Curium is part of the actinide series and is known for its radioactive properties. This element is primarily used in scientific research and has applications in nuclear reactors and as a source of alpha particles. Curium is not found naturally in significant amounts and must be produced in laboratories or nuclear reactors. Its isotopes, particularly Curium-244, are of interest for various studies in nuclear chemistry.