Articles tagged with Iron
Researchers at the University of Maryland have identified a protein called HRG-3 that transports heme from the mother's intestine to her developing embryos in C. elegans. This finding could lead to new treatments for parasitic worm infections and iron deficiency, affecting over two billion people worldwide.
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.
Researchers discovered a 40-meter trench containing iron oxide extracted by the Huentelauquen people 12,000 years ago. The site indicates complex cultural practices and transmission of knowledge through generations.
Researchers found that a pre-existing malaria infection restricts iron availability in the liver, preventing a second infection. This discovery has implications for managing and preventing malaria, which affects millions worldwide.
Research reveals a new freshwater source for Antarctic coastal waters, where meltwater from glaciers drives high discharge rates. Phytoplankton also affect clouds and precipitation, leading to increased cloud albedo and reduced cloud droplet radius.
Researchers have discovered that pyrite nanoparticles from hydrothermal vents are a significant source of iron for ocean life, with the ability to travel long distances and form a potentially important food source. These nanoparticles are dispersed into the ocean rather than falling to the bottom due to their small size.
Researchers at UAB discover that Salmonella enterica uses Fur protein to modulate gene expression based on iron levels, adapting to each stage of the infection process. This control allows the bacterium to invade the epithelium and then avoid unnecessary energy expenditure.
Researchers have found that minute particles of pyrite from hydrothermal vents are a rich source of iron in the deep sea, providing a nutrient supplement for tiny plants and bacteria. This iron is released as these particles travel through the ocean, making them an important food source for life in the deep sea.
Researchers found that ordered vacancies in iron pnictides can give rise to superconductivity, providing a potential explanation for the similar behavior between different compounds. This discovery has implications for the broader use of these materials on an industrial scale.
A study of 281 mother/newborn pairs found that maternal obesity is associated with impaired iron status in infants, which could affect brain development. The researchers are investigating why obesity during pregnancy increases the risk of poorer iron status at birth.
Researchers found that solar activity during the Little Ice Age may have contributed to the period's cooling, suggesting factors other than low sunspot activity played a role. Glacial dust storms are a significant source of iron to the Gulf of Alaska, impacting phytoplankton growth and ecosystems.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that inadequate nutrition is a significant risk factor for anemia in postmenopausal women. The study, which analyzed data from over 72,000 women, found that deficiencies in multiple nutrients were associated with a higher risk of persistent anemia.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that a mother's iron deficiency early in pregnancy can have a long-lasting effect on the child's brain development, even if it's not severe enough to cause anemia. The research suggests that monitoring a pregnant woman's iron status beyond anemia is crucial.
A recent study found that daily iron supplements do not significantly increase hemoglobin levels in healthy pregnant women, but can help alleviate iron-poor blood conditions in Africa. Researchers followed over 1,000 pregnant women and discovered that all participants ended with similar iron levels after three months.
Researchers at UTHealth discovered that children with asymptomatic H. pylori infections have lower iron levels compared to those without the infection. The study found that even in healthy children, the bacterium causes a decrease in iron storage, which may have long-term health consequences.
Studies using DREADD technology found that stimulating AgRP neurons induced weight gain and intense food seeking behavior, while inhibiting these neurons inhibited food intake. In another study, researchers discovered a new mechanism explaining growth hormone's role in fatty liver disease, which may lead to the development of novel tre...
Researchers at Boston College developed Nanonets, a nano-scale lattice that coats tiny wires with iron oxide, enhancing surface area and conductivity. This enables efficient charge transport in water splitting, a process for harvesting hydrogen from water.
A marine bacterium uses a biochemical trick to recycle iron, conserving precious metal for photosynthesis and nitrogen production. This strategy, called 'hot bunking,' allows the organism to thrive in iron-poor waters, increasing ocean productivity.
A study in rural Nepal found that prenatal iron and folic acid supplementation was positively associated with improved intellectual ability, executive function, and motor skills in children. The research suggests that antenatal micronutrient use can have long-lasting benefits for child development.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that prenatal iron-folic acid supplementation boosted children's cognition in Nepal. The research showed a positive association between maternal supplementation and improved general intellectual ability, executive function, and fine motor control.
New technique sheds light on 4.5 billion-year-old event; iron takes elongated form at high pressure, forming channels instead of isolated spheres.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simpler method to add iron to tiny carbon spheres, creating catalytic materials that can remove pollutants. The new technique uses ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and produces ash-free, inexpensive materials with potential applications for fuel cells and environmental remediation.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria favor human hemoglobin over other animal hemoglobins, which may contribute to why some people are more susceptible to staph infections. Genetic variations in hemoglobin could be a key factor in individual susceptibility to these infections.
A joint US-Swedish expedition will study the Amundsen Sea, one of Antarctica's least-explored bodies, to gauge climate change effects. The research aims to determine nutrient availability, phytoplankton blooms, and sea-ice coverage.
A groundbreaking study by Professor Douglas Kell found that poorly-bound iron causes the production of hydroxyl radicals, leading to degenerative diseases. Purple fruits and green tea are identified as excellent sources of iron chelators, which can bind iron tightly.
Iron deficient soils in the North Central United States reduce soybean production by 12.5 million bushels annually. Researchers found that adding nitrogen fertilizer can exacerbate iron deficiency in low-efficient varieties, whereas efficient varieties are less affected.
Researchers found that boosting hepcidin levels may directly affect relieving anemic patients of their body's iron overload. Two studies illustrated a potential new dietary treatment for patients with hemochromatosis by increasing hepcidin levels and reducing iron absorption from the gut.
A team of researchers has successfully treated beta-thalassemic mice by increasing hepcidin levels, which limits iron overload and markedly reduces anemia. This approach suggests a new therapeutic strategy for patients with beta-thalassemia, potentially mitigating iron overload and anemia.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have made breakthroughs in the Haber-Bosch process, aiming to produce fertilizers more efficiently while reducing energy consumption. Their innovative approach uses single-crystal iron samples and ultra-high vacuum conditions to achieve significant improvements.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have shown that iron buildup is prevalent in unstable coronary artery plaque, making it a potential marker for risk of myocardial infarction and sudden death. Non-invasive imaging techniques, such as micro-CT scans, may soon be able to detect these plaques, allowing for earlier intervention.
Researchers discovered toxic Pseudo-nitzschia algae producing domoic acid in vast Pacific regions, contrary to the proposed approach of adding iron to reduce global warming. This finding highlights the concern that iron enrichment can promote toxic blooms in open sea environments.
A new study found that iron from natural or artificial sources can stimulate rapid growth of toxin-producing algae, such as diatoms producing domoic acid, in the open ocean. This discovery adds to concerns about proposals for iron fertilization to combat global warming.
Scientists have discovered a close link between elevated iron levels and the production of brain-destroying plaques found in Alzheimer's patients. The findings lay the foundation for new therapies to slow or stop iron buildup, which contributes to the disease.
Researchers used MRI to identify microbleeds and altered iron distribution in the brains of individuals with mild cognitive impairment. These biomarkers predicted disease progression with high accuracy, offering new hope for early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Research by Penn State scientists found that certain polyphenols, such as grape seed extract and EGCG in green tea, inhibit iron absorption. The polyphenols bind to iron in intestinal cells, forming a complex that cannot be transported into the bloodstream.
A team of geologists led by David Fike has revisited the Great Oxygenation Event, finding that it was likely a two-step process involving sulfur compounds rather than just oxygen. This challenges the traditional narrative of the event and highlights the difficulties in interpreting redox proxies.
Scientists at EMBL have identified IRPs as key proteins ensuring iron balance in cells. In a study, they found that IRPs are required for mitochondrial function and that their dysfunction leads to iron deficiency and cellular damage.
A study found that iron availability plays a crucial role in controlling coccolithophore growth and calcification. Coccolithophores are globally important species of marine algae responsible for massive blooms in oceans worldwide.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia are investigating a link between hemochromatosis and the wet form of macular degeneration. They suspect that excessive iron levels accelerate aging in the eyes, leading to increased risk of vision loss.
A clinical trial evaluating a new approach to reduce recurrent strokes in children with sickle cell anemia and iron overload was stopped early. The trial compared hydroxyurea with transfusions, finding no significant benefits for reducing stroke risk.
Researchers found that bacteria in oxygen-free environments can use insoluble organic compounds to accelerate mineral respiration, a new pathway for electrical charges to move around in the environment. This discovery has implications for understanding soil chemistry and environmental contamination.
A study found that 10.2% of patients developed anemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, primarily due to iron deficiency. Patients at increased risk included menstruating females and those with marginal ulcers on endoscopy.
Researchers found that hepatitis C virus infection affects hepcidin levels in patients with genotype 3a. Successful antiviral therapy was associated with decreased serum prohepcidin concentrations, suggesting a potential link between HCV and hepcidin synthesis.
Scientists have uncovered key rules governing ferritin's self-assembling nanostructure, enabling potential breakthroughs in drug development and nanotechnology. The study may lead to creating biological nanostructures with precise dimensions for various applications.
High levels of copper and iron in older adults can lead to cell damage and increase the risk of age-related diseases. To mitigate this, individuals over 50 should consider avoiding certain supplements and taking steps to lower their exposure to these metals.
A recent study identifies the GLRX5 gene as essential for generating iron-sulfur clusters and maintaining normal iron levels in human cells. The protein deficiency leads to sideroblastic anemia by impairing heme biosynthesis and depleting cytosolic iron in red blood cells.
A team of researchers from the University of Exeter has conducted a six-week archaeological expedition to rural Andhra Pradesh in India to study the origins of high carbon steel-making. They recorded over 120 sites where iron and steel were produced, including those associated with the production of wootz steel.
A new study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion shows that teenagers who consume 100% fruit juice have a more nutrient-dense diet compared to non-consumers. The study found lower intakes of total dietary fat and saturated fat, as well as higher intakes of key nutrients like Vitamins C and B6, folate, potassium, and iron.
A study of 269,717 new hemodialysis patients found that dialysis centers using larger doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with low hematocrit levels had lower mortality rates. Conversely, centers using more frequent iron dosing in higher hematocrit ranges showed increased mortality risk.
Thalassemia Foundation of Canada awards Concordia University professor Dr. Peter Pawelek a two-year grant to study a receptor protein found on the surface of a lethal bacterial pathogen that can 'hijack' thalassemia treatment drugs. The research aims to develop new antibiotics to combat opportunistic infections in thalassemia patients.
Researchers discovered a magnetometer system in the upper beak of birds, composed of over 500 dendrites that encode the magnetic field information. This system helps birds create a magnetic map for spatial orientation, contradicting previous myths about iron-based magnetoreception.
A new LSTM-led study aims to investigate the effects of long-term weekly iron and folic acid supplementation on anaemia and malaria risk in young women. The research seeks to strengthen adolescent health services and develop effective preventative programmes for anaemia control.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia identified neogenin as a key player in regulating iron levels, providing a new target for drugs to treat iron deficiency and overload. Studies showed that neogenin inhibits the secretion of an RGM gene called hemojuvelin, which controls circulating iron levels.
A new study shows that transferrin, a blood protein, can alleviate anemia and prevent fatal iron overload in humans. The research, conducted at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, suggests that treatment with transferrin could benefit people with thalassemia and other types of anemia.
Researchers have discovered a way to visualize iron-sulfur clusters in living cells using a custom protein tag, enabling analysis of diseases involving these metalloclusters. This technique has high potential for helping find real treatments for diseases such as Friedreich's ataxia and myopathy.
Researchers at Washington University have discovered a channel protein that shields and transports the crucial heme molecule across cell membranes. The channel, found in plants and bacteria, helps protect heme from oxidative damage as it makes its journey outside the cell.
Researchers found Prussian blue can create essential biological molecules, including hydrogen cyanide and urea, under early Earth-like conditions. This study offers an alternative explanation for the formation of Banded Iron Formations.
Researchers discover supernova that fits predictions for a star hundreds of times the sun's mass, revealing new insights into star formation and heavy metal creation. The study also suggests hyper-giant stars may exist beyond 150 suns, challenging our understanding of celestial physics.
New data from a 10,000-kilometer cruise reveals that iron availability significantly controls the input of fixed nitrogen into the Atlantic Ocean. This finding is crucial for understanding global climate patterns and their potential implications on carbon dioxide sequestration.
Researchers found that iron-folic acid supplementation significantly reduced childhood mortality and low birth weight, but other supplement combinations did not provide the same benefit. The study suggests that antenatal iron-folic acid supplementation is a critical intervention for maternal and child health in developing countries.