Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Genetic form of anemia defined molecularly

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2010

New study shows teens who drink 100 percent fruit juice have more nutritious diets overall

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.

SourceKellen Communications·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateMar 4, 2010

Rice scientists divide and conquer

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.

SourceRice University·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateDec 28, 2009

Heme channel found

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.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2009

The big blow-up

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.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2009

Mortality rates reduced among children whose mothers received iron-folic acid supplements

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateOct 28, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 5, 2009

Researchers have identified a link between the mutated FGFR4 protein and the spread of childhood cancer. Additionally, changes in iron levels are found to affect inflammation via the TLR4 pathway, while glial cells play a crucial role in stimulating red blood cell production.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 5, 2009

Acidic clouds nourish world's oceans

Scientists at the University of Leeds discovered that acidic clouds can convert large particles of iron from dust into small, soluble nanoparticles that plankton can use. This finding highlights a previously unknown source of bioavailable iron delivered to the Earth's surface in precipitation.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 5, 2009

Nanotubes take flight

Rice University chemist Bob Hauge's team creates bundles of SWNTs using a novel printing process, yielding a high yield of nanotubes. The process could lead to large-scale production of meter-long strands of nanotubes.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Research·DateJul 29, 2009

Nanophysicists find unexpected magnetic effect

Researchers found that the last atom in a line of single-atom contacts behaves differently than expected, altering the defining properties of ferromagnetic metals. The Kondo effect is observed in these tiny contacts, contradicting conventional wisdom about metal behavior at the nanoscale.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: April 6, 2009

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a signaling pathway that initiates the flushing response associated with nicotinic acid. Analysis of human cell lines revealed that beta-arrestin proteins play a key role in this process, which may be targeted to prevent side effects while maintaining therapeutic benefits. I...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 6, 2009

Finding trapped miners

Researchers at the University of Utah developed a new method to locate trapped miners in collapsed mines by installing seismic listening devices on the ground. The system uses unique 'fingerprints' generated by miners banging on iron plates to pinpoint their location, showing promising results in tests.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalThe Leading Edge·DateMar 25, 2009

A Zen discovery: Unrusted iron in ocean

A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges the long-held assumption about oceanic iron cycles. They found that organic compounds can capture some iron spewed by hydrothermal vents, enabling it to be carried away in seawater and reaching the surface, where it can nourish marine life more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 8, 2009

Researchers iron out new role for serotonin

A study by Vanderbilt University researchers found a surprising link between brain iron levels and serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in neuropsychiatric conditions. The team identified multiple trait differences affected by the SERT GK/ER variation, including traits associated with alcohol consumption and brain dopamine signaling.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2009

Electronic heat trap grips deep Earth

Scientists at Carnegie Institution's Geophysical Laboratory found that highly oxidized iron in mantle minerals is crucial for heat transfer in the lower mantle. The discovery challenges current models of mantle dynamics and has significant implications for understanding material movement throughout the planet.

A green future for scrap iron

Using two million pounds of iron, researchers improved pollutant levels by 87%, removing BOD, nitrogen, phosphorus, and colors from industrial wastewater. The low-cost iron-based method has great potential for developing countries.

SourceLehigh University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 3, 2008

NASA's dirty secret: Moon dust

Researchers are studying the effects of lunar dust on the respiratory system and developing technologies to clean it from space suits. The powdery grey dirt is formed by micrometeorite impacts that can wreak havoc on equipment, but its unique properties also make it susceptible to magnets.