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New uOttawa study suggests gene linked to Parkinson's disease holds clues to battling deadly bacterial infections

Researchers have discovered a gene linked to Parkinson's disease may also strengthen the body's ability to fight dangerous infections. The study found that a well-studied mutation in the LRRK2 gene increases the production of reactive oxygen species, making immune cells more effective at eliminating intracellular bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Surface oxygen species steer hydrogen production from methanol over platinum catalysts

Researchers have discovered that surface hydroxyl groups on platinum catalysts are crucial for controlling the conversion of methanol into hydrogen. The study found that hydroxyl-rich oxide supports can improve platinum-based methanol reforming catalysts, leading to higher hydrogen production rates.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnergy & Environment Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2026

New pulse oximeter adapts to skin color

A new wearable system called ChromaSense can accurately measure blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiration across a range of skin tones. It uses reflected light from skin and tissue to adjust the measurement, achieving accuracy within 1.4% of standard reference oximeters.

SourceTufts University·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2026

Controlling oxygen to fight disease

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that hypoxia therapy can extend lifespan and improve brain function in mice with motor neuron degeneration. The therapy works by reducing the amount of oxygen available to cells, which can help counteract the effects of defective mitochondrial quality control machinery.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJul 8, 2026

LiON: A fluorescent molecule for tracking iron and oxygen levels in individual cells

Researchers developed LiON, a fluorescent reporter that visualizes biologically active iron and oxygen inside living cells. The tool revealed striking differences in iron and oxygen distribution across organs and cells, offering new opportunities to study diseases like cancer, liver disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Precisely designed oxygen carriers enable low-temperature methane reforming

Scientists at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research have created a more efficient way to turn methane into hydrogen by combining chemical looping with water splitting. This new method achieves low-temperature methane reforming at 500-600°C, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Novel markers of brain blood flow and oxygenation may offer early clues to Alzheimer’s risk

Researchers found that noninvasive measures of brain blood flow and oxygenation are associated with hallmark brain changes in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Higher values on these indicators were linked to lower levels of amyloid plaques and larger hippocampal volume, indicating a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Rapid microwave method creates high performance carbon material for carbon dioxide capture

Researchers developed a fast and energy-efficient way to produce advanced carbon materials capable of capturing carbon dioxide, dramatically reducing production time while improving adsorption performance. The new material demonstrates exceptional ability to capture and selectively separate carbon dioxide from gas mixtures.

How a pyrite-oxidizing microbe helps preserve atmospheric oxygen in sulfate

Researchers found that a pyrite-oxidizing microbe preserves up to 90% of atmospheric oxygen in sulfate, offering insights into microbial activity in ancient environments. This discovery could help analyze oxygen isotope data from Martian sediments for signs of life and provide clues to environmental conditions on early Earth.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2025

New imaging system maps retinal oxygen in unprecedented detail

A new dual-imaging system simultaneously maps retinal structure and capillary oxygen levels in live mice, allowing researchers to study vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. This non-invasive approach offers a powerful tool for elucidating local capillary values and tracking changes in retinal oxygenation.

Deciphering local microstrain-induced optimization of asymmetric Fe single atomic sites for efficient oxygen reduction

Researchers have developed a method to exploit local microstrain as a precise tuning knob for single-atom catalysts, unlocking record-setting oxygen reduction performance and long-term stability. This breakthrough uses nanoscopic curvature to control bond strain, transforming static motifs into dynamically self-optimizing centers.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2025

Oxygen for Mars

A Chinese research team has developed an electrochemical process that can directly split CO2 into elemental carbon and oxygen. This innovative method uses lithium as a mediator to produce oxygen with a high yield of over 98.6%, significantly exceeding the efficiency of natural photosynthesis.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Oxygen discovered in most distant known galaxy

Astronomers have discovered oxygen in JADES-GS-z14-0, the most distant known galaxy, revealing a galaxy that is much more chemically mature than expected. The detection suggests galaxies formed rapidly and are maturing rapidly, contradicting previous theories about early universe formation.

SourceESO·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMar 20, 2025

Self-optimizing catalysts facilitate water-splitting for the green production of hydrogen

Researchers have developed cost-effective and efficient water-splitting catalysts using cobalt and tungsten, which surprisingly increase in performance over time. The unique self-optimization process involves changes in the chemical nature of the catalyzing oxide, leading to improved activity and reduced overpotentials.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 11, 2025

Gd-induced oxygen vacancy activates lattice oxygen oxidation for water electrolysis

Researchers at Tohoku University found that incorporating gadolinium into iron-doped nickel oxide markedly enhances oxygen evolution reaction activity. Gd-doping reduces theoretical overpotentials and demonstrates favorable kinematics, leading to remarkable long-term stability and robust performance in water electrolysis.

Are volcanoes behind the oxygen we breathe?

New research suggests that volcanic activity billions of years ago accelerated oxygenation, leading to an increase in atmospheric oxygen. This pre-Great Oxygenation Event (GOE) may have provided the necessary conditions for photosynthetic microorganisms to thrive, ultimately paving the way for complex life.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2025

SwRI, U-Michigan engineers create more effective burner to reduce methane emissions

Researchers at SwRI and U-M have created a new methane flare burner using additive manufacturing and machine learning that eliminates 98% of methane vented during oil production. The burner's design, with a complex nozzle base and impeller, allows for efficient combustion even in challenging crosswind conditions.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2025

BESSY II: Building block of the catalyst for oxygen formation in photosynthesis reproduced

Researchers at HZB and HU Berlin have discovered a high-spin manganese centre, crucial for molecular oxygen formation in natural photosynthesis. The discovery, made possible by BESSY II's unique experimental capabilities, sheds light on the complex process of photosynthesis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2025