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The Lancet: Changing where a baby is held immediately after birth could lead to improved uptake of procedure that reduces infant iron deficiency

Researchers found that holding babies on their mother's abdomen or chest immediately after birth does not compromise delayed cord clamping. This could lead to improved uptake and reduced risk of infant iron deficiency. The study suggests a more comfortable and bonding-friendly approach for hospitals.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 16, 2014

Forging iron women

A systematic review found that iron supplementation boosts maximal capacity and exercise efficiency in women, even at submaximal exertion. Women who received iron had lower heart rates and higher efficiencies, especially those with initial iron deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateApr 10, 2014

A shocking diet

Researchers identified a microbe that can take up electrons from minerals in soil and sediment using natural conductivity. The microbes rely on sunlight and iron to generate energy, but have developed an unusual strategy to reach the iron through naturally occurring conductive minerals.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2014

Sulphur haunts the ghost wreck

Researchers found relatively low iron amounts and minimal sulphur compounds in the Ghost wreck, suggesting it might not face the same preservation issues as the Vasa. Three studied ships, including the Crown, display more aggressive sulphur compounds and higher iron concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2014

Probing hydrogen catalyst assembly

The study demonstrates how cyanide and carbon monoxide are safely bound to an iron atom to construct an enzyme that can generate hydrogen gas. This discovery sheds light on the unusual chemistry involved in binding small molecules to metal atoms, a crucial step towards producing hydrogen using abundant metals.

ACP recommends tighter transfusion strategy to treat anemia in patients with heart disease

The American College of Physicians recommends restricting red blood cell transfusions to severe anemia cases in patients with heart disease. ACP also advises against using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in mild to moderate anemia with heart conditions due to increased risks of thromboembolic events and stroke rates.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 2, 2013

Additive may make wine fine for a longer time

Researchers have discovered an additive that inhibits oxidation in wine, reducing discoloration and loss of aroma. Chelation compounds like phytic acid can bind with metals to neutralize oxidation, making it a promising solution for winemakers.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 21, 2013

A fresh solution for the lindane problem

Researchers at the UPV/EHU and Tecnalia have developed an innovative method using iron nanoparticles to degrade lindane, a toxic insecticide banned by farmers. The study confirms the high reactive capacity of iron nanoparticles to break down lindane, revealing reaction tendencies and speeds over time.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalChemosphere·DateOct 22, 2013

Earliest known iron artifacts come from outer space

Researchers have discovered that ancient Egyptian iron beads were hammered from pieces of meteorites, not iron ore. The findings indicate that metalworkers mastered the smithing of meteoritic iron over 5,000 years ago, enabling the development of iron smelting and replacing copper and bronze as primary metals.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateAug 19, 2013

Study finds biochemical role of crucial TonB protein in bacterial iron transport and pathogenesis

A Kansas State University-led study reveals that the TonB protein plays a central role in the uptake of iron by Gram-negative bacteria, which cause diseases like typhoid fever and meningitis. The research found that TonB acts as an electric motor that rotates in response to cellular energy flow, enabling iron acquisition into the cell.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Making hydrogenation greener

Researchers from McGill University have developed a method to use iron nanoparticles as catalysts in water-ethanol mixtures, overcoming the limitation of rusting in the presence of oxygen or water. This innovation enables the possibility of replacing platinum-series metals for hydrogenation under industrial conditions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 27, 2013

Moving iron in Antarctica

A new study at Georgia Tech suggests that diatoms stuff more iron into their silica shells than needed, limiting its availability and reducing productivity. This can negatively affect the ecosystem, including plankton production and competition for iron.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2013

Water-rock reaction may provide enough hydrogen 'food' to sustain life in ocean's crust or on Mars

Scientists discover chemical reaction between iron-containing minerals and water can produce enough hydrogen to sustain microbial communities, hinting at possibility of hydrogen-dependent life on Mars. The study also suggests that such reactions could take place in the ocean's crust at lower temperatures than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 30, 2013

Ancient Egyptians accessorized with meteorites

Researchers have found conclusive proof that Ancient Egyptians used meteorites to create symbolic accessories. The evidence comes from a prehistoric iron bead discovered in Egypt, which was dated to around 3350-3600BC. Analysis of the bead's composition confirms its meteorite origins.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateMay 30, 2013