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Rice lab finds molecular clues to Wilson disease

Researchers found that a small genetic mutation alters the structure of ATP7B, a large complex protein regulating copper movement in human cells. The study sheds light on how this mutation leads to Wilson disease, which affects as many as 150,000 people worldwide.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateAug 19, 2008

Researchers push transmission rate of copper cables

Researchers at Penn State successfully transmitted data at a rate of 100 gigabits per second over 100 meters using Category-7 copper cables. This breakthrough offers a less expensive and easier-to-build solution for high-speed data transfer, paving the way for future advancements in chip circuitry.

Paying peanuts for clean water

Researchers have found that peanut husks can extract up to 95% of copper ions from waste water, while pine sawdust achieves only 44% extraction. The process works best at slightly acidic conditions, making it a promising solution for reducing toxic copper levels in natural resources

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateNov 8, 2007

How does the antitumor drug get to the cell nucleus?

Italian researchers propose that copper transport protein Ctr1 binds platinum ion from cisplatin, stabilizing the trimeric channel structure and enabling endocytosis. This process allows cisplatin to accumulate in organelles, including the nucleus, where it exerts its antitumor effects.

SourceWiley·DateNov 2, 2007

Ames Laboratory researchers rethink zinc

Researchers at the Ames Laboratory have discovered a new family of zinc compounds that can be tuned to exhibit physical properties similar to other materials. These compounds, which are over 85% zinc, display extraordinary tunability, allowing scientists to study magnetism and potentially create superconducting materials.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 17, 2007

Dietary copper may ease heart disease

A study found that feeding mice copper relieved heart disease and restored proper heart function, even when the animals' hearts were continually stressed. Increasing copper intake, especially in those pre-disposed to heart disease, might reduce mortality rates associated with this condition.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 5, 2007

Cancer cells forming blood vessels send their copper to the edge

Researchers discovered that cancer cells forming blood vessels exhibit a distinct distribution of cellular copper, which may help explain how copper-reducing cancer therapy works. This finding has implications for understanding the regulation of metal ion content in metal-binding proteins and could lead to new cancer therapies.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2007

Turning an axel mounted molecular wheel

Researchers successfully control rotation of axel-mounted molecular wheel, marking major breakthrough in creating molecular machines. The achievement opens up new possibilities for technological advancements and understanding at the molecular scale.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 23, 2007

Study illuminates birth defects caused by copper deficiency

A new study found that copper deficiency in zebrafish leads to birth defects similar to those seen in children with Menkes disease. The researchers discovered a critical role for copper in notochord formation and development, suggesting suboptimal copper metabolism may contribute to structural birth defects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 8, 2006

Peacetime grenades harm environment

A Swedish study found that peacetime grenade stockpiling leads to environmental harm from metal mining and explosive residues. Replacing plastic with copper could make grenades more environmentally friendly, according to the authors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateDec 13, 2005

Copper ridges nearly double X-ray sensor performance

Researchers at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new design for X-ray sensors that can measure energies with an uncertainty of only 2.4 electron volts (eV), nearly doubling the resolution of experimental X-ray sensors. The improved design is expected to enable precise identification of the X-ray 'fi...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 17, 2005