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Disappearing act

Researchers from Northwestern University and others demonstrate 'transient electronics' that dissolve in a well-controlled manner. These biocompatible devices could be used for medical implants, environmental monitors, or military applications, offering advantages over conventional electronics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2012

Next up: Electronics that vanish in the environment or the body

Researchers have developed biodegradable electronics that can dissolve in water or bodily fluids, opening new design paradigms for medical implants, environmental monitors and consumer devices. The technology harnesses techniques for making tiny electronic systems out of ultrathin sheets of silicon, which can completely dissolve in a f...

USDA research demonstrates new breeds of broccoli remain packed with health benefits

A recent USDA study reveals that new varieties of broccoli retain the same levels of calcium, copper, iron, and other minerals as older cultivars, despite significant improvements in quality. The research suggests that breeders can rely on these nutrient levels when developing future broccoli strains.

New record for measurement of atomic lifetime

Researchers have measured the lifetime of an extremely stable energy level of magnesium atoms with great precision, achieving a record-breaking 2050 seconds. This is the longest lifetime ever measured in a laboratory and has significant implications for the development of ultra-precise atomic clocks.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 7, 2011

The safety of daily magnesium oxide treatment for children with chronic constipation

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that daily magnesium oxide treatment significantly increases serum magnesium concentrations in children with functional constipation. However, the magnitude of the increase appears modest, and younger age may be a relative risk factor for hypermagnesemia.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 8, 2011

Debate on administration of magnesium sulfate to pregnant women to prevent cerebral palsy in preterm infants

Researchers found evidence that magnesium sulfate administration significantly reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in children at risk. However, a roundtable discussion highlighted the need for further clarification on its use due to conflicting results from well-designed trials and observational studies.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJun 29, 2009

True grit

Researchers discovered that the teeth contain crystals of magnesium calcite, which are smaller, harder and denser than those of pure calcite. The unique arrangement of these crystals in two different arrays allows them to be self-sharpening as they wear down.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2009

Common treatment to delay labor decreases pre-term infants' risk for cerebral palsy

Researchers found that mothers who received magnesium sulfate during preterm labor had a lower risk of cerebral palsy in their infants. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that magnesium sulfate may protect against cerebral palsy by stabilizing blood vessels and reducing inflammation.

A promising step towards more effective hydrogen storage

A team of international researchers led by Professor Rajeev Ahuja has discovered an atomic-level mechanism for releasing hydrogen from magnesium nanoparticles, which could lead to more efficient hydrogen storage. The finding opens up new possibilities for fuel cells using hydrogen as a clean and environmentally friendly energy source.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2008

Continents loss to oceans boosts staying power

Geologists found that continents lose around 20% of their mass through chemical weathering involving the Earth's crust, water, and atmosphere. The lighter silicon-rich rock left behind is buoyed up by denser magnesium-rich rock beneath the Earth's crust.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2008

Highlights from the July 2007 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

A study found that Canadian fifth-graders prefer larger portions of snacks and fast food but smaller portions of vegetables, with a significant gender gap in portion sizes. The researchers also discovered that children who frequently eat at fast-food restaurants or watch TV while eating are more likely to consider large portions as 'us...

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJul 6, 2007

Magnesium loss in patients given monoclonal antibodies

Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibodies experience significant magnesium loss, affecting up to 97% of patients. The study suggests that identifying high-risk patients through patient characteristics could aid early intervention to prevent severe hypomagnesaemia.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateApr 30, 2007

Natural mineral locks up carbon dioxide

Researchers at Penn State have created a new method to speed up the process of capturing carbon dioxide from combustion gases using serpentine minerals. This innovative approach significantly reduces the time required for sequestration from geologic timescales, making it a promising solution for mitigating climate change.