Articles tagged with Iron
A team of scientists has found evidence of iron-rich dust from 300 million years ago, which suggests that atmospheric dust acted as a fertilizer for life. The discovery provides new insights into the biogeochemical impacts of iron on the oceans and the climate system during the late Paleozoic era.
A new study reveals that hepcidin, a protein regulating iron absorption, can inhibit the body's ability to absorb iron supplements in quantities necessary and desirable. The researchers suggest waiting longer between doses may improve iron absorption efficiency and reduce side effects.
This week in BMJ Case Reports highlights the risks of accidental overdosing on herbal medicines, severe iron deficiency associated with heavy head lice infestation, and a rare complication involving a hair pin pierced through a child's kidney.
Researchers found that nanoparticles can evade the human immune system by changing their sugar coating, making them more visible during MRI imaging. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new medicines to target tumors.
Planetary scientist Shoshanna Cole discovered signs of acid fog on Mars, which formed when acidic vapors dissolved minerals and created gel-like cement. The phenomenon was observed in the Watchtower Class outcrops on Husband Hill, indicating a change in the environment billions of years ago.
A new class of oral medications, HIF-PHIs, stimulates red blood cell production by mimicking a low-oxygen state. Promising results were achieved in phase 2 clinical trials, showing improved hemoglobin levels and reduced anemia in kidney disease patients.
Scientists have discovered unmistakable signs of oxygen in ancient iron-bearing rocks from the ocean floor, dating back 3.23 billion years. The findings suggest that cyanobacteria, primitive photosynthetic organisms, were responsible for liberating oxygen, marking a significant milestone in Earth's history.
Harvard scientists have developed a rechargeable battery that can store electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind power. The new technology uses non-toxic, abundant elements dissolved in water solution, making it safer and cheaper than traditional batteries.
Researchers have found that platinum nanoparticles sitting on cheap metal oxide materials convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. The chemical reactions occur due to the interplay between platinum particles and the iron-oxide surface, making them efficient. This new knowledge can be used to create better catalysts.
Scientists discovered microbes in Kabuno Bay that oxidize iron through a unique photosynthesis process, depositing large iron formations. This finding supports the theory that microorganisms played a key role in shaping Earth's chemistry and evolution of life.
A study in a malaria-endemic region found that daily iron supplementation during pregnancy did not increase the risk of malaria, but resulted in increased birth weight and improved fetal outcomes. The authors suggest that universal iron supplementation may outweigh potential risks in low- and middle-income countries.
The American College of Physicians recommends policies for the use of telemedicine in primary care settings, aiming to improve access to care while balancing benefits and risks. The position paper offers more than a dozen policy statements and recommendations for utilization and reimbursement.
A new MIT study finds that large seasonal changes in desert dust can dramatically affect surface phytoplankton, which rely on iron as a main nutrient for growth. The team determined that iron has a very short residence time in ocean waters, lasting only six months before sinking into the deep ocean.
A team of marine researchers has discovered a three-way conflict between algae, bacteria, and vitamin B12 in the frigid waters off Antarctica. The competition for iron and vitamins has significant implications for understanding globally significant food webs of the Southern Ocean.
Researchers found that teeth can provide a chronological record of exposure to chemicals, including iron, from fetal development. This technology can help track the impact of pollution on health globally and potentially link early life exposures to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new 3-D model of a giant star's last moments, which could help explain how these stars explode. The model addresses previous limitations, including the shape of the star and the lack of fuel source, paving the way for a deeper understanding of supernova mechanisms.
Researchers found iron-laden microglia in specific brain regions of Alzheimer's patients, which could aid in earlier diagnosis and monitoring using advanced MRI techniques. The study suggests a new suspect for the disease, contradicting the long-held hypothesis that amyloid plaques are the primary cause.
Researchers have discovered that iron regulatory proteins play a crucial role in fighting off infection by controlling iron levels. The study found that mice lacking these proteins died when infected with the Salmonella bacteria, highlighting their importance in immune defense.
A new study reveals that chemical-laden plumes from hydrothermal vents can be traced across the Pacific for over 4,000 kilometers and impact global ocean chemistry. The iron transported by these plumes has the potential to serve as a key life-sustaining micro-nutrient in the surface oceans of Antarctica.
Research from the University of Washington finds that seafloor hot springs provide a significant source of iron to the world's oceans. The dissolved metals are carried by deep-sea currents for decades, supporting phytoplankton growth and impacting global ocean chemistry.
Clostridium difficile, the most common cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea, tightly controls its intracellular iron levels to avoid DNA damage. The pathogen has multiple systems for importing ferrous iron compounds, which are more critical in anaerobic conditions.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that half of the iron in banded iron formations originated from ancient bacteria metabolizing iron two and a half billion years ago. The findings provide new insights into the evolution of our planet and the origins of life, with significant implications for fields like mining and astrobiology.
Medical laser technologies hold promise for various applications, including iron deficiency screening, breast cancer treatment, glioblastoma multiforme surgery, nasal airway obstruction relief, and varicose vein treatment. However, their translation into clinical practice is hindered by multiple barriers that need to be overcome.
Researchers have discovered a soil microbe that mobilizes an "iron shield" to block the uptake of toxic arsenic in rice. The microbe, EA106, forms a plaque on the surface of roots that competes with arsenic, effectively blocking its pathway. Inoculations with EA106 improved iron uptake and reduced arsenic accumulation in plants.
Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that contributes to age-related macular degeneration due to excessive iron accumulation in retinal cells. Excessive iron impairs the processing of inflammatory RNAs, leading to inflammasome-mediated cell death.
New research finds that pH lowering of municipal water supplies can increase particulate lead levels due to corrosion of cast iron mains. The study suggests that future strategies to reduce lead in drinking water may require infrastructure upgrades or iron control measures.
Researchers have discovered a key link between superconductivity and structure in iron arsenide compounds, which could potentially lead to higher-temperature superconductivity. Under pressure, the compound undergoes a structural change that leads to a loss of superconducting ability.
A four-year follow-up study of 263 children found that delayed cord clamping (DCC) was associated with improved fine motor skills, particularly in boys. The study did not find a significant impact on IQ or overall development.
A study examining umbilical cord clamping and neurodevelopment found that delayed cord clamping was associated with higher scores in fine-motor and social skills in children at age 4, especially in boys. The results suggest positive effects from delayed cord clamping without any adverse effects on overall IQ or behavior.
Researchers have discovered that carbonates in the deep mantle can contain significant amounts of iron, contrary to previous thought. The study found that these minerals undergo a spin transition under pressure, redistributing iron between them.
A systematic review highlights how anaemia can distort the regular method of diabetes diagnosis and lead to false diagnoses based on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). The study found that iron deficiency and anaemia can increase HbA1c values without corresponding rises in blood glucose, making diabetes diagnosis unreliable.
Researchers have identified a mechanism allowing E. coli to thrive in inflammatory bowel disease patients by inhibiting myeloperoxidase and regulating iron levels. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting enterobactin-based drugs or alleviating inflammatory pathways.
Researchers have uncovered new insights into the structural controls of fluid pathways in an active rift system, with potential implications for geothermal exploration. The study focuses on Aluto volcano, a major source of geothermal energy in Ethiopia's Rift Valley.
Scientists have developed a new X-ray imaging technique to better understand lithium-ion rechargeable batteries containing iron fluoride. The technique allows for precise visualization and measurement of chemical changes at the nanoscale, enabling improved understanding of electrochemical reactions in these batteries.
The US Preventive Services Task Force has updated its recommendations on iron supplementation and screening in pregnant women, finding that routine iron supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of iron deficiency and anemia. In contrast, new hepatitis C treatments show promise but may exceed insurers' willingness to pa...
Scientists have discovered 30 new types of heat-beater beans that can thrive in drastic weather extremes, offering a climate-friendly option for farmers. The development of these heat-defying beans is a landmark result of urgent efforts to adapt crops to environmental stresses and could save the 'meat of the poor' from global warming.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have found that liver MRI is more accurate than biopsy in determining total body iron balance. The study suggests that liver MRI can be a safer and less painful alternative to liver biopsy, which has high sampling variability and can cause bleeding.
Researchers found that iron vaporization at high pressures can create an iron-rich rain that blankets the forming Earth, explaining the iron pockets in the mantle. This process challenges traditional core formation theories and changes our interpretation of geochemical data.
Scientists have discovered iron-oxidizing bacteria living near sulfur-rich black-smoker hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. These unique chemosynthetic communities utilize iron as an energy source and are highly evolved to thrive in environments with abundant iron.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed magnetic nanoparticles that can destroy blood clots 100 to 1,000 times faster than a commonly used clot-busting technique. The nanoparticles are coated in albumin and loaded with the drug tPA, allowing it to reach the clot more effectively.
Aalto University researchers have successfully created a cost-effective and efficient electrocatalyst made of iron and carbon, replacing traditional platinum-based systems. The new material reduces losses and makes the process economically viable, addressing challenges in energy storage.
Scientists have uncovered a key factor driving iron's unique thermal behavior, revealing a synergy between magnetism and atomic vibrations that increases the metal's stability at high temperatures. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate predictions of steel properties and enable the development of new, stronger alloys.
Low-dose iron supplements significantly reduced time to recover from hemoglobin decrease in donors with low or high ferritin levels. Without iron, most participants took over 168 days to recover their iron stores. Regular blood donation leads to progressive iron loss and anemia, emphasizing the importance of prompt recovery.
A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that iron supplementation significantly reduced the time to recover lost iron and hemoglobin after blood donation. The study, supported by NHLBI, showed that donors taking iron supplements recovered lost iron more rapidly than those not receiving supplements.
Scientists at EMBL and Heidelberg University Clinic have discovered a new way to starve pathogens of iron, using the immune system's TLR2 and TLR6 molecules. This finding offers an alternative approach to treatments for anaemia of chronic disease, which affects chronically ill patients.
A new study by scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution reveals that the deep ocean is a major source of dissolved iron in the central Pacific Ocean. The research found that hydrothermal vents and sediments thousands of meters below the sea surface are the primary sources of iron, contradicting previous assumptions.
Scientists from Carnegie Institution have made a groundbreaking discovery that resolves the long-standing debate on how metals become less conductive when heated. Their work reveals that the missing piece of the traditional theory explaining this phenomenon was needed to complete the puzzle for generating Earth's magnetic field.
Researchers capture asteroid magnetic field moments, revealing extended lifetimes and creating mechanisms similar to the Earth's own magnetic field. Ancient meteorites provide a cosmic archaeological mission, shedding light on the magnetic history of asteroids and their impact on the Earth's core future.
A study in C. elegans found that excess iron promotes aging by causing dysfunction and malfolding of proteins implicated in the aging process. Treating worms with a metal chelator slowed age-related accumulation of iron, extending lifespan and healthspan.
Researchers at UCLA have found that a deficiency of the hormone hepcidin makes people with iron overload disease susceptible to Vibrio vulnificus infections. A medical form of hepcidin, minihepcidin, has been shown to cure the infection by restricting bacterial growth.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have discovered that iron's opacity plays a significant role in regulating energy transfer within the sun. By creating conditions similar to those found inside the sun, the team was able to measure the opacity of iron and close a theoretical gap in the Standard Solar Model.
Researchers have found iron-based catalysts for diazo compound transformations, offering a sustainable alternative to precious metals. These iron complexes exhibit unique advantages in specific reactions, including cyclopropanation and enantioselectivity.
Researchers have successfully created metal-organic frameworks that can stably store and slowly release nitric oxide, a key player in biological signaling pathways. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for treating infections and heart conditions, as well as potential applications in medical therapies.
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.
Researchers have identified genetic factors associated with increased iron and zinc levels in chickpea seeds, a staple food in developing countries. The findings support the development of molecular breeding strategies to enhance micronutrient content in chickpea cultivars.
A new model proposes that iron carbide could explain the anomalously slow S waves, thus eliminating the need to invoke partial melting. This would imply that as much as two-thirds of the planet's carbon is hidden in its center sphere.
Researchers identify defects in iron pyrite material as the source of inefficiency. The study provides hope for improving this promising material to make inexpensive yet efficient solar cells. By understanding the causes of this problem, scientists can design solutions to overcome it.
The Ferric Citrate OLE study demonstrated the iron-based phosphate binder's long-term safety and efficacy in managing elevated serum phosphorus levels. Patients treated with Ferric Citrate showed improvements in laboratory parameters, including reduced serum phosphorus levels and increased hemoglobin
Late-breaking clinical studies presented at ASN Kidney Week 2014 highlight significant advances in kidney care, including the reduction of disparities in transplant referrals through a community-based intervention. Additionally, new treatments for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) have shown promising results, such as ferric citrate's abi...
A new study reveals that iron fertilization in the Southern Ocean may reduce the biological carbon pump's ability to transport carbon dioxide into the deep ocean. This process, which draws carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the sea, is crucial for mitigating climate change.