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Giant-nucleus cells are key markers for early-stage cancer, study shows

Researchers at Nagoya University have identified giant-nucleus cells as precancerous markers in the kidneys, which emerge in response to iron toxicity and BRCA1 mutations. These cells exhibit cancer-related gene activity and can signal early cancer development in surrounding tissue, with distinct biological profiles in BRCA1-mutant rats.

SourceNagoya University·JournalRedox Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2026

Could this enzyme help remove “zombie” cells from our tissues?

Aging cells become more susceptible to ferroptosis due to elevated levels of acid ceramidase, a previously targeted therapeutic candidate. This vulnerability can be passed to neighboring cells, impacting overall tissue health. The discovery offers new hope for supporting healthy aging and treating age-related diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Death and Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 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

Tea powered iron nanoparticles help biochar fertilizers feed crops more slowly and sustainably

A new study presents a greener way to make slow-release fertilizers that reduce nutrient loss and improve crop growth. The tea-based fertilizer, made with iron nanoparticles, biochar, and biodegradable materials, slows down nutrient release, retains soil moisture, and improves fertilizer efficiency.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2026

Iron-modified biochar turns soil oxygen into a cleaner for antibiotic pollution

A new iron-modified biochar catalyst activates natural oxygen and iron cycling in farmland soil, breaking down sulfamethoxazole at a 4.2-fold increase under laboratory conditions. The material also achieved strong pollutant removal, with degradation reaching 81.2% under favorable soil moisture conditions.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2026

A simple way of making hydrogen from alcohol by using iron and UV light

Scientists at Kyushu University have developed a simple method to produce hydrogen gas by mixing methanol with iron ions and irradiating it with UV light. The reaction produces a considerable amount of hydrogen gas comparable to that of previously reported systems, opening up new possibilities for sustainable hydrogen technologies.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2026

Engineered biochar unlocks soil’s natural chemistry to break down antibiotic pollution

A new study reveals how an advanced iron-modified biochar can harness the natural chemistry of soils to break down persistent antibiotic contaminants. The biochar activates naturally occurring oxygen in soils to generate highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, enabling the in situ degradation of contaminants without external chemical inputs.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2026

Largest study of its kind highlights benefits – and risks – of plant-based diets in children

A large meta-analysis of over 48,000 children found that well-planned plant-based diets can support healthy growth and even offer additional health benefits for children. However, the study also highlights risks of deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12 and zinc if not obtained through fortified foods or supplements.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 12, 2025

Innovative biochar composite offers solution to nitrate pollution in agriculture

Researchers developed a biochar-based material that dramatically improves nitrate removal from agricultural soils and water, maximizing both nitrate adsorption and ammonium retention. The optimized composite achieved nitrate reduction rates as high as 71 percent and increased ammonium retention by 53 percent compared to biochar alone.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2025

New treatment for combating iron deficiency more effectively

A new dietary supplement made from oat protein nanofibrils coated with iron nanoparticles has been developed to efficiently treat iron deficiency and anaemia. The supplement is not only effective but also easy to produce and suitable for vegans and vegetarians, offering a stable and high-absorption iron delivery platform.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Food·DateNov 10, 2025

Malaria parasites are full of wildly spinning iron crystals. Scientists finally know why.

Researchers find that malaria parasites use a chemical reaction powered by hydrogen peroxide decomposition to make their iron crystals spin. This motion may be crucial for the parasite's survival, helping it to eliminate excess toxic chemicals and efficiently store essential heme.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2025

Soil bacteria and minerals form a natural “battery” that breaks down antibiotics in the dark

A team of researchers has developed a 'bio-photovoltage soil-microbe battery' that uses sunlight energy to power the breakdown of antibiotic pollutants in the dark. The system, formed by common soil bacteria and iron minerals, captures and releases solar energy to trigger chemical reactions degrading antibiotics.

Using AI to optimize hydrogen fuel production and reduce environmental impact: Worcester Polytechnic Institute research published in Nature Chemical Engineering

A team of researchers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a new approach to producing hydrogen using plasma technology and metal alloys. The method reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional methods, making it more environmentally friendly and potentially affordable.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2025

Steel making could get a makeover

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new method for producing iron that eliminates CO2 emissions and can be performed at room temperature. The process uses hydrogen gas plasma to strip oxygen from iron ore, producing pure iron and water vapor.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2025

Chinese scientists develop high-performance iron catalyst for fuel cells

A team of Chinese scientists has developed a high-performance iron-based catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which could potentially reduce reliance on scarce and expensive platinum. The new design enables record efficiency and long-term durability, achieving an oxygen reduction overpotential as low as 0.34 V.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2025

Archaeologists use X-rays to distinguish iron from different periods of America’s colonial past

A new study demonstrates that microscopic differences in iron can be spotted using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, allowing archaeologists to identify the origin of Spanish iron objects. This technique follows a quiet revolution in southeast archaeology, where metal detectors have been adopted for large-scale survey work.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalInternational Journal of Historical Archaeology·DateAug 13, 2025

Does anemia during pregnancy affect newborns’ risk of heart defects?

Researchers discovered that mothers who are anemic in early pregnancy have a 47% increased likelihood of giving birth to a child with congenital heart disease. This finding suggests that widespread iron supplementation could help prevent congenital heart disease in many newborns before it develops.

SourceWiley·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateApr 23, 2025