A few weeks back I hypothesized that the dark matter in the universe might be in the form of classical matter, having a nucleus with large number of protons and neutrons; also, they might represent a continuation of the band of stability, forming heavier and heavier nuclei, until at last they form neutron stars and black holes. There might be some magic property that makes these heavier elements invisible, or 'Dark', and neutron stars might be an exception to the rule.

MSNBC article

These new elements were reportedly created by colliding a rare isotope of calcium with a target made of americium. If one considers that there are over 112 known elements, and the possibility that the longevity of the reaction product might depend upon which elements are smashed together, then there are countless permutations of atoms to smash together.

Atom Smasher Permutations:
-----------------------------
Total number of permutations ~ 1.9745 * 10 ^ (182)
Quadruple combinations = 149,059,680
Triple combinations = 1,367,520
Pairs = 12,432

Alot of the latter experiments have probably already been done. But I wonder if physicists have ever tried to smash together three or more different elements in the same experiment? Materials scientists do the same thing all the time, trial and error, mix & match, looking for an end-product with specific properties. And the number of combinations in materials science is alot closer to infinity. But I bet the only atom smashers in the universe that can combine so many elements simultaneously and in such large quantities are the cores of supernovas!

(I always wanted to be a physicist)