Articles tagged with Copper
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that the ATP7A gene is essential for copper absorption, leading to a better understanding of Menkes disease. The study used laboratory mice and discovered that the gene's absence can lead to copper deficiency symptoms similar to those seen in children with the disease.
New research from the University of Southampton has found that ultrafine dust particles in underground railway environments are rich in metals, posing a potential health risk. The tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter underlying tissue and the circulation.
A recent study found that Antimicrobial Copper surfaces can continuously kill 83% of bacteria causing HAIs within two hours, reducing the risk of infection. The use of copper alloy surfaces has been shown to significantly lower the proportion of patients developing HAIs in Intensive Care Units.
A new study found that placing copper objects in ICU hospital rooms reduced the number of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) by over half. The study showed significant reductions in HAI rates among patients in rooms with copper surfaces compared to traditional rooms.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute illuminate the copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction, revealing key findings on its mechanism. The discovery enables better control, efficiency, and versatility in pharmaceutical synthesis, enabling the development of new reactions.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a way to reverse copper nanoparticle oxidation using light, potentially leading to an eco-friendly production process for propylene oxide. The discovery has significant implications for the chemical industry, which currently produces large quantities of unwanted chemicals.
A potentially lethal fungal infection can anticipate and disarm the host's immune attack by sequestering copper, shutting down copper pumps in macrophages. This study opens new options for drug development to target the fungus's detoxification machinery.
Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a solid-state refrigerator that uses quantum physics to cool larger objects to extremely low temperatures. The prototype enables the placement of any suitable object in the cooling zone and later removal and replacement, similar to an all-purpose kitchen refrigerator.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a method for converting carbon dioxide into liquid methanol fuel using copper oxide nanowires and sunlight. The new process is more efficient and environmentally friendly than current methods, which require toxic elements or high operating pressures.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that a copper-depletion compound, tetrathiomolybdate (TM), prevents cancer recurrence and metastasis progression. The study's findings are promising for high-risk triple-negative breast cancer patients with no current visible breast cancer.
A new technique has been developed to grow graphene without defects, enabling the creation of larger sheets with aligned flakes and improved electron flow. This breakthrough has significant implications for industrial-scale graphene manufacturing and the development of graphene-based technologies in electronics, energy, and healthcare.
A study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that lithium accumulates in the copper current collector of hybrid and electric car batteries over time, affecting their performance. This discovery could aid in improving battery design and performance.
A new study from the University of Southampton shows that copper can prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes and kills bacteria on contact. The research highlights the importance of copper touch surfaces in reducing the risk of infection transmission, particularly in hospitals and public buildings.
Caltech researchers discover that interfaces between metals can absorb radiation damage, maintaining material strength and ductility. Nanopillars with helium bubbles at interfaces show increased strength without embrittlement.
The UT Arlington physics team has developed a novel thermoelectric generator using copper sulfide nanoparticles and single-walled carbon nanotubes. The technology, which can convert both light and thermal energy into electrical current, shows increases of up to 80% in light absorption compared to earlier methods.
Researchers found that alfalfa growth stops when soil copper sulfate levels exceed 500 ppm and beneficial bacterial activity declines above 50 ppm. Crops irrigated with cattle footbath wastewater can accumulate plant-available copper levels up to 63 ppm, posing potential harm to grazing livestock.
Scientists observe bumps, folds, vortex-like features, and cracks on the metal surface as it slides, revealing a surprising fluidlike behavior at room temperature. The findings could lead to improved durability of metal parts and better understanding of material behavior.
Researchers found reducing copper in mice with prion disease delays onset by 20 days, with less abnormal protein in brains. However, study does not advocate for copper depletion as therapy and aims to learn more about copper function and prion disease biochemical workings.
Researchers at RIT are working with Washington State University and Georgia Tech to develop a new infrastructure that could increase computing speed and reduce power usage in chip processors. The goal is to integrate wireless technology with copper wiring, allowing multiple processing engines to communicate simultaneously.
Researchers identify molecule that sequesters copper and routes it through urine, providing a previously unknown escape route from the body. This discovery could lead to new treatments for Wilson's disease, a rare disorder that causes copper accumulation in the liver.
Research reveals that copper from brake linings and mining operations impacts salmon's ability to detect predators via their sense of smell. This altered state makes them more susceptible to attack by predators.
Researchers at UCLA are conducting a clinical trial to investigate the impact of copper surfaces on reducing hospital-acquired infections. The study aims to determine if lowering bacteria levels on hospital surfaces results in reduced infection rates, better patient outcomes, and lower costs.
Researchers discovered that E. coli uses yersiniabactin to steal copper from host cells, allowing the bacteria to grow and reproduce. This finding could lead to new treatments for serious urinary tract infections. By blocking this thievery with a drug, patients' chances of fighting off infections may significantly improve.
Researchers have successfully transferred gallium nitride LEDs from silicon to copper substrates, reducing the quantum confined stark effect and increasing light output. The new substrate design eliminates absorptive materials, electrode shading, and improves crystal orientation, leading to enhanced efficiency and crack-free structures.
Researchers at Rice University have created a tiny coaxial cable that is about a thousand times smaller than a human hair and has higher capacitance than previously reported microcapacitors. The nanocable, made with carbon and copper, could be used to build next-generation energy-storage systems.
Duke University chemists created copper-nickel nanowires with improved stability and conductivity compared to plain silver and copper. The new material is an attractive option for printed electronics applications, including solar cells, LEDs, and clothing. Its low cost and high speed make it suitable for mass production.
A new sensor developed at MIT can accurately measure the ripeness of fruits by detecting tiny amounts of ethylene gas. The sensor has the potential to help grocers and food distributors reduce waste and spoilage, with estimates suggesting a 30% reduction in losses.
New research from USC reveals a 100-fold decrease in lead and 400-fold decrease in copper and cadmium in Southern California's coastal waters over the past four decades. The cleaner water is attributed to improvements in sewage treatment regulations and phasing out of leaded gasoline.
Researchers have found evidence that engineered nanoparticles can accumulate in plants and cause DNA damage. The study tested cupric oxide nanoparticles on radish and ryegrass, finding increased DNA base lesions and cellular uptake of copper in plant root cells.
Biologists at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered novel functions of the metal-binding molecule nicotianamine, which regulates iron and zinc transport in plants. The research provides important clues for breeding crops with increased zinc content to prevent health problems caused by deficiencies.
Researchers at MIT have developed hybrid copper-gold nanoparticles that can convert carbon dioxide into hydrocarbon fuels with significantly less energy than pure copper. The tiny particles, engineered to increase surface area and stability, have the potential to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from powerplants.
A new study by Rice University scientists found that nature conspires to keep most of Earth's copper buried dozens of miles below ground. The researchers examined arc magmas and discovered sulfides, which are minerals containing reduced forms of sulfur bonded to metals like copper.
A study of eight male giant pandas found that reproductive fitness varies throughout the year, with waves of activity occurring 3-5 months before most females display estrus. This new understanding will help improve captive panda management and potentially aid in reintroducing pandas into the wild.
Researchers have discovered that graphene provides exceptional corrosion protection, even at a single layer thickness, outperforming conventional coatings. The study's findings suggest graphene could be ideal for applications where a thin coating is necessary, such as in microelectronic components.
A Yale University study has assessed the criticality of metals in the geological copper family, finding arsenic as the most vulnerable to long-term supply disruption. The research methodology evaluates supply risk, environmental implications, and vulnerability to supply restriction, highlighting the importance of considering these fact...
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered that copper is essential for detecting sulfur-containing substances, which are responsible for strong odors. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests a possible link between copper and drug receptor responses.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Rice University discovered that a single layer of graphene enables near-perfect wetting transparency. The extreme thinness of graphene allows it to be transparent to water, with contact angles varying from 77 to 86 degrees on different surfaces.
Researchers have created a new electrode that uses crystalline nanoparticles of copper to store excess energy generated by wind and solar power. The electrode can survive up to 40,000 cycles before losing its charge capacity, making it a viable solution for large-scale power storage.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that stacking graphene nanoribbons can significantly enhance its ability to transmit electricity, reducing the band gap and increasing efficiency. The study, published in ACS Nano, brings industry closer to realizing graphene nanoelectronics and potentially replacing coppe...
Researchers at Empa have successfully designed a molecule with four rotating motor units that can travel straight ahead in a controlled manner. The smallest electric car in the world, measuring approximately 4x2 nanometres, requires refueling with electricity after every half revolution of its wheels.
The study reveals that certain copper crystal structures promote better graphene growth due to their atomic shape and arrangement. This finding could lead to more cost-effective and high-quality graphene production for consumer electronics applications.
A recent study has demonstrated the effectiveness of antimicrobial copper surfaces in reducing hospital-acquired infections. By replacing traditional objects with antimicrobial copper versions, the study found a significant decrease in bacterial growth and infection rates.
UCSB researchers develop scalable synthesis technique for high-quality and uniform graphene, controlled number of layers, and improved carrier mobility. The discovery paves the way for next-generation electronics applications in green electronics, super-strong materials, and medical technology.
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.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that consuming dietary supplements, including multivitamins and iron, is associated with an increased risk of death in older women. The study analyzed data from over 38,000 women and found that calcium supplements may actually reduce mortality risk.
Researchers at NASA developed a flexible memory fabric that can retain information for over 100 days, using copper-oxide fibers as the storage medium. The technology enables e-textiles to detect biomarkers, monitor vital signs, and transmit data to doctors.
Researchers have developed a technique to create low-cost, high-performance copper nanowire films for displays and solar cells. The new copper nanowire films outperform current indium tin oxide (ITO) films, which are highly transparent but expensive and prone to cracking.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum demonstrated spin pumping effect in magnetic layers using ultrafast X-ray scattering. This behavior is crucial for magnetic sensors in hard disk read heads and data storage.
As people age over 50, they lose ability to detect metallic flavors in water, including iron. This decline may lead to increased exposure to iron from drinking water, pipes, and dietary supplements, posing health concerns such as Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a copper-catalyzed click chemistry reaction that is safe for use in living organisms, achieving effective labeling of glycans within 3-5 minutes. The new formulation offers improved target specificity and can be used for enriching glycoproteins for identification.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab observed structural transformations within a single copper sulfide nanocrystal, revealing dynamics influenced by defects. The study provides new insights into phase transitions and their relevance to battery performance and solar energy harvesting.
A recent study found that antimicrobial copper surfaces can reduce the risk of hospital infections by more than 40% in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. The study, conducted at three US hospitals, showed a 97% reduction in surface pathogens and a statistically significant decrease in patient infections.
Researchers use synchrotron radiation to identify copper-bearing molecules in ancient bird fossils, revealing pigmentation patterns that can be compared to living organisms. The technique allows for the concentration and distribution of pigments to be mapped, providing insights into camouflage and natural selection.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have figured out how copper induces misfolding in the protein associated with Parkinson's disease. This finding has implications for both the study of Parkinson's progression and future treatments. The researchers used computer simulations to ferret out the most likely binding scenario, re...
Researchers at Northwestern University recreated ancient copper artifact-making techniques used by prehistoric Native Americans of Cahokia. They analyzed small pieces of discarded copper and determined that the coppersmiths likely hammered the copper with a heavy rock, then heated it in a wood fire to create thin sheets.
Researchers at Northwestern University recreated ancient copper artifact-making techniques using large stones, fire, and elbow grease. They analyzed discarded copper pieces found on the ground of a 'copper workshop house' in Cahokia and determined that coppersmiths likely hammered and heated copper to create thin sheets.
A study by the University of Southampton reveals copper's antimicrobial property, killing 10 million E. coli bacteria within 10 minutes on dry surfaces and 45 minutes on wet ones. Copper deployed as a touch surface in food preparation areas can reduce cross-contamination risk.
Researchers found that high iron and copper levels can block brain-cell DNA repair mechanisms, leading to accumulation of genetic damage associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The study suggests a potential therapeutic target in curcumin, a common spice with beneficial health effects.
A study by the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science uses DNA testing to identify separate populations of dusky and copper sharks in different coastal regions, allowing for tracking of their origins and informing management of the shark fin trade. The research demonstrates that genetic differences among regional groups can be used t...
Scientists have discovered two new genes that could help control Staphylococcus aureus, a drug-resistant bacterium. The genes encode copper- and sulfur-binding repressors that regulate the expression of copper resistance genes.