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Also in the July 8 JNCI

Researchers found that reducing iron blood levels in men with peripheral arterial disease is associated with a decreased incidence of cancer. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that iron catalyzes the production of free radicals that damage cellular components, including DNA.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 8, 2008

Purple extremist thrives under inhospitable conditions

Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research identify enzyme that requires acids and dissolved metals to function, repairing genetic damage under extreme conditions. This discovery opens up new possibilities for biotechnological applications and potential treatments for diseases characterized by over-acidification.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2008

A genetic cause for iron deficiency

Researchers discovered a genetic cause for a rare form of inherited iron deficiency anemia, which may provide insights into iron deficiency in the general population and suggest new treatment approaches. The study identified a gene mutation in the TMPRSS6 protein, leading to excessive hepcidin production and impaired iron absorption.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 13, 2008

Rock: Electrons run through it

Scientists have discovered that a chunk of hematite can conduct electrons when exposed to the right chemical conditions. This phenomenon, linked to mineral surfaces, has important implications for understanding soil evolution and environmental cleanup. The discovery challenges long-held assumptions about electron conduction in minerals.

Rusty worms in the brain

Researchers found that transferrin protein aggregates into wormlike fibrils, releasing rust-like iron particles. These particles may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases by forming toxic free radicals and destroying nerve cells.

SourceWiley·DateMar 5, 2008

Life savers in the gut

Researchers from EMBL discovered that proteins regulating iron metabolism play a vital role in ensuring nutrient and water absorption in the intestine. The study found that mice lacking these proteins suffer from weight loss, dehydration, and impaired nutrient absorption.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 9, 2008

New research about cough

A new study has found a strong association between iron deficiency and idiopathic cough in women. Italian researchers evaluated 16 healthy, non-smoking women who suffered from chronic cough and were iron deficient, finding that these symptoms were strongly linked to extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness.

Separating the brain's 'bad' from 'good' iron

Researchers have created 'pro-chelators' that can selectively bind to potentially destructive forms of iron in the brain, reducing oxidative stress and cell damage associated with these diseases. The iron-binding agents are designed to target only harmful iron species, allowing benign forms to carry out vital functions.

Bioengineering to prevent iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency affects an estimated 2 billion people, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes, impaired school performance, and decreased productivity. Genetic engineering can increase iron content in staple crops like rice and improve bioavailability by introducing genes that break down phytate.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 9, 2007

JCI table of contents: June 7, 2007

Researchers at Institut Gustave Roussy found that a combination of radiation and angiogenesis inhibitors can overcome HIF-1–dependent tumor radioresistance in mice. This breakthrough suggests a new approach to treating cancer by shifting tumor resistance towards apoptosis, according to the study published online on June 7.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 7, 2007

Reduction of body iron stores and cardiovascular outcomes

A recent study published in JAMA found that reducing body iron stores through phlebotomy in patients with peripheral artery disease did not significantly decrease the risk of death or nonfatal cardiovascular events. However, younger patients and those without diabetes showed apparent improvement with iron reduction.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 13, 2007

Prussian Blue for information storage

Researchers created a compound that can switch between magnetic states upon light exposure, enabling binary information storage on an atomic scale. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultra-small data storage devices for future computers.

SourceCNRS·DateJan 17, 2007

A star's death comes to light

A team of astronomers has solved the long-standing mystery of Kepler's supernova remnant using Chandra's latest image, revealing it as a Type Ia supernova. The discovery sheds light on how stars can end catastrophically and expands our understanding of the universe.

The smell of iron

Researchers discover that iron exposure causes a distinct metallic smell in humans, linked to skin oil and blood decomposition. The key compound responsible for this 'metallic' odor is identified as 1-octen-2-one, produced when oils on skin are oxidized by certain enzymes.

SourceWiley·DateOct 18, 2006