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JCI online early table of contents: November 1, 2011

Scientists discover a possible therapy for hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1, reversing toxic molecule accumulation in mice. Additionally, researchers design minihepcidins to reduce iron overload by mimicking the natural protein's ability to lower blood iron levels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2011

Potential treatment for iron overload disorders

Researchers at UCLA have developed a promising new treatment for iron overload disorders using minihepcidin peptides, which mimic the natural protein hepcidin to lower iron levels in the blood. The study provides hope for individuals affected by hereditary hemochromatosis and beta-thalassemia.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2011

USDA research demonstrates new breeds of broccoli remain packed with health benefits

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.

As good as gold

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.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 10, 2011

AGU journal highlights -- April 13, 2011

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.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 13, 2011

Inadequate diet can lead to anemia in postmenopausal women

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.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateMar 25, 2011

Extra iron doesn't help many pregnant women

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.

SourceInstitute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 11, 2011

Helicobacter pylori infection linked to decreased iron levels in otherwise healthy children, according to research at UTHealth

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateMar 7, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: March 1, 2011

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...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2011

See off Alzheimer's with the color purple

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.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateDec 8, 2010

Hormone's crucial role in 2 anemic blood disorders

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.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 23, 2010

Successful treatment for mice with beta-thalassemia

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 22, 2010

New revelations in ammonia synthesis

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2010

Polyphenol antioxidants inhibit iron absorption

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 23, 2010

Supply and demand

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.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 4, 2010