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Tiny magnetic particles in air pollution linked to development of Alzheimer’s

Research suggests that magnetite particles, found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The study exposed mice to fine particles of iron, magnetite, and diesel hydrocarbons, finding that magnetite induced Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal cell loss and amyloid plaque formation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironment International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Meteorites likely source of nitrogen for early Earth

A study of Ryugu samples suggests that micrometeorites from icy celestial bodies in the outer Solar System transported nitrogen compounds to near-Earth regions. This discovery could provide clues about the origins of nitrogen on our planet, potentially serving as a building block for life.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Microbial corrosion of iron

Researchers found that bacteria with electrically conductive protein threads can corrode iron anaerobically, producing magnetite that facilitates further corrosion. The discovery has significant implications for corrosion protection and suggests taking material properties into consideration.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

New research on magnetite in salmon noses illuminates understanding of sensory mechanisms enabling magnetic perception across life

A new theory outlines how magnetite crystals in specialized receptor cells of salmon and other animals may have roots in ancient genetic systems developed by bacteria, suggesting a common evolutionary history between magnetite-producing bacteria and fish. The findings have the potential for widespread application, from improving salmon...

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2022

Origin of magnetite in Hadean zircons

Researchers found that magnetite in Hadean zircons is likely a secondary deposit, formed after crystallization, precluding analysis of the Earth's earliest magnetic field. The presence of secondary magnetite indicates that a magnetic field may have existed during the Hadean Eon, but more evidence is needed to confirm this.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018

Researchers find simpler way to deposit magnetic iron oxide onto gold nanorods

Researchers from NC State University have found a simpler way to deposit magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles onto silica-coated gold nanorods, creating multifunctional nanoparticles with useful magnetic and optical properties. The new technique uses an approach called heteroaggregation, resulting in highly uniform nanoparticles that can ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateDec 11, 2017

Lonely atoms, happily reunited

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology observe how carbon monoxide enables single platinum atoms to move and form clusters, breaking the grip of the magnetite surface. This process has significant implications for chemical catalysis, as it opens up a strategy to turn clusters into single atoms.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2016

Magnetic vortices defy temperature fluctuations

A team of researchers from Germany and the UK used high-resolution electron microscopy to study magnetic vortices in magnetite minerals, revealing that they are surprisingly resilient to temperature changes. The findings have significant implications for understanding the Earth's magnetic field history and plate tectonics.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 18, 2016

The finer details of rust

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have redefined the atomic structure of magnetite, a crucial component in electronic devices and medical applications. The study reveals that the surface of magnetite is governed by missing iron atoms, leading to an efficient catalyst for chemical reactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Nanocubes get in a twist

Weizmann Institute scientists have created twisted, rope-like structures from cube-shaped nanoparticles, demonstrating the power of self-assembly in nanomaterials. The findings reveal how competing forces like magnetism and van der Waals forces can align particles into complex shapes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2014

The magnetic sense

LMU researchers have identified magnetosensory cells in trout that detect the Earth's magnetic field and convert it into nerve impulses. The cells sense the field through micrometer-sized inclusions of magnetic crystals, which are coupled to the cell membrane.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2012

Earlier global warming produced a whole new form of life

Researchers have discovered a new species of microorganism that thrived 55 million years ago during a period of abrupt global warming. The 'giant' magnetofossils, which are up to eight times larger than previously known ones, provide valuable insights into the potential effects of significant climate changes on life.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2008

Ceramic material revs up microwaving

Researchers have developed a ceramic material that heats up in the microwave without causing damage, allowing for faster cooking times. The material, made from petalite and magnetite, can retain heat for up to 15 minutes, enabling innovative food preparation methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateAug 28, 2008

New property found in ancient mineral lodestone

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a surprising new electronic property in magnetite, a well-studied magnetic mineral, by using nanofabrication methods. They were able to get the material to revert from an insulator to a conductor at temperatures colder than minus 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 17, 2007

Evidence of martian life dealt critical blow

A team from Arizona State University has questioned the evidence for bacterial life in a Martian meteorite, citing limitations in microscope technology and data selection. The researchers argue that the shapes of magnetite crystals found in the meteorite are not uniquely identifiable with bacteria.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2001