Science View S2013E15 - The Magic Metal of Life - Calcium

Calcium could be called the "magic metal" of life. It is found throughout the body - 99% in our teeth and bones, and 1% in the form of ions in our cells. That 1% weighs only about 10 grams in total, but plays a crucial role in our bodies' basic functions. Did you know we depend on momentary shifts in the concentration of calcium ions in our cells for our muscles to contract, and neurons to transmit information? And that it all happens at lightning speed? What cellular process produces such changes in only half a second? Calcium is also intimately involved in the formation of new life. We explain the "calcium oscillations" that are fundamental to the process. Tune in to find out what role they, and other little-known activities of this magic metal, play in our bodies.