Articles tagged with Iron
Scientists determined that nitrogen is the primary element missing for algae growth in the northern tropical Pacific, while iron was lacking everywhere else. The 'iron-effect' decreases carbon ocean plant photosynthesis estimates by two billion tons, allowing for more accurate carbon movement modeling and resource management.
A new study found that large segments of the Pacific Ocean lack sufficient iron to trigger healthy phytoplankton growth, leading to overestimated ocean productivity. The researchers estimate a 2-4% reduction in global ocean carbon uptake due to this oversight.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding plant metal uptake, distribution, and regulation. The discovery of new IRT1 alleles enables plants to take up iron while resisting cadmium contamination. This could lead to increased crop yields, improved human nutrition, and reduced disease susceptibility.
A recent study discovered the PLA2G6 gene, linked to neuroaxonal dystrophies, may shed light on nerve cell degeneration in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The discovery has implications for understanding brain iron accumulation and potential treatments.
A study published in The Lancet found that delaying umbilical cord clamping for two minutes at birth significantly increases a child's iron status, particularly among those with low birth weights or iron-deficient mothers. This efficient and low-cost method can help prevent iron deficiency before 6 months of age.
Chemists have synthesized a new species of iron, designated as iron VI, which has two valence electrons and is highly reactive. This discovery adds to our understanding of fundamental iron chemistry and its catalytic properties, potentially leading to novel compounds for industry and biomedicine.
A recent study by Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute found that pregnant women who are not anemic should take iron supplements weekly, rather than daily. This approach reduces the risk of iron overload and birth complications, while still providing benefits for iron supplementation.
Researchers have discovered a new property of the very deep Earth, which challenges the prevailing thought that ultralow velocity zones contain liquid. The study found that iron-rich post-perosvkite can explain these zones' properties, suggesting an alternative explanation to partial melting.
A recent study by MIT chemist Catherine L. Drennan has discovered the simple secret behind how organisms create self-medications like antibiotics and anti-tumor agents. The enzyme SyrB2, which uses a smaller amino acid to bind halides, reveals an elegant simplicity in its mechanism.
Deferasirox proved equally as effective as deferoxamine in reducing iron overload levels in patients with beta-thalassemia. The new drug was well-tolerated, with common side effects including skin rash and gastrointestinal issues.
Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters and Paleoceanography reveal the connection between terrestrial gamma-ray flashes and intracloud lightning, as well as the potential of dinoflagellate microfossils to document past climate changes. The findings suggest that these marine organisms can provide valuable information on ocean c...
A study found that teenage mothers with iron deficiency during pregnancy had children who were less active and responded slower to their environment. The researchers suggest that a mother's nutritional status in pregnancy affects the behavior and personality of the child.
A new MRI study found a nearly perfect correlation between iron levels in brain regions and those reported by past post-mortem studies. The study suggests that age-related brain iron accumulation is a modifiable risk factor for degenerative brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have discovered four genes in tuberculosis bacteria that enable it to capture iron from the environment, a crucial step in its survival. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-tuberculosis drugs by targeting these genes.
Research suggests that iron and folic acid supplementation may not benefit all children, particularly those without iron deficiency. However, it may still be beneficial for young children in low-malaria transmission areas due to its role in motor and cognitive development.
Ferriprox has been shown to provide significantly better cardio-protection compared to deferoxamine, reducing heart iron concentrations and improving cardiac function in thalassemia patients. The study findings suggest that Ferriprox's small structure provides a greater potential to chelate intracellular iron in the heart.
Researchers found that artemisinin reduced breast tumors by 39% and inhibited tumor growth. The study suggests artemisinin's anti-malarial properties may also target cancer cells due to their high iron uptake.
Research reveals that mice lacking SMAD4 gene in the liver exhibit dramatic iron accumulation, similar to human hemochromatosis. The liver plays a central role in iron regulation, and boosting TGF-ß signaling pathway holds promise for treatment.
A new study found that nutritionally enhanced rice can significantly increase total body iron levels in women. The research, led by the International Rice Research Institute, demonstrates the potential of biofortification to combat micronutrient malnutrition.
A Dartmouth study suggests that microbes interacting with iron oxides in landfills contribute to arsenic levels in drinking water. The researchers analyzed data from the Coakley Landfill and found a correlation between organic waste degradation and increased arsenic concentrations.
A nine-month study found that consuming biofortified, iron-rich rice improved the iron status of women, increasing it by 20% compared to traditional rice. Non-anemic women with low body iron reserves and those who consumed more rice showed the greatest improvements.
Researchers at Queen's University have identified a protein that enables E. coli 0157:H7 to obtain iron, a catalyst for bacterial growth. This breakthrough discovery opens the door for studying heme iron and potentially developing therapeutics to isolate and inhibit the protein.
A new study reveals a strong association between prolonged bottle-feeding and iron deficiency among Mexican-American infants, affecting up to 17% of this population. The longer children were bottle-fed, the higher their risk of iron deficiency, with 36.8% of Mexican American children still bottle-fed at 24-48 months.
A new study finds that heme regulates ferritin gene expression, controlling both iron and antioxidant metabolism. This discovery could lead to treatments for various chronic illnesses.
Researchers discover DMT1 protein shields lung cells from toxic particles, including vanadium, by regulating iron transport. The finding offers new insights into lung protection and potential therapeutic applications.
A team of international researchers analyzed the sulphur and iron composition in the wooden timbers of the Mary Rose, an English warship wrecked in 1545. They found high concentrations of organo-sulphur compounds in the lignin-rich areas between the cells, which may have helped preserve the ship while it was submerged in seawater.
Researchers at VCU are developing magnetic nanoparticles that can combine detection and treatment in a single process, promising new hope for breast cancer treatment. The nanoparticles use magnetodynamic therapy to kill tumor cells with minimal damage to healthy cells.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a new screening test, CHr, to detect iron deficiency in infants. The test identified 83% of iron-deficient infants correctly, compared to only 26% with the standard hemoglobin test.
Researchers propose a new magnetic herding technique that manipulates colloidal objects using magnetism, offering flexibility and convenience over existing methods. The technique has potential applications in biosensors, medical diagnostic devices, and microelectronic components.
A new study found that anal cancer precursors are common among HIV-negative, sexually active men who have sex with men, regardless of age. The study also identified risk factors for these precancerous lesions, including HPV infection and having multiple male sex partners.
A recent study found that nearly 40% of research participants expressed concerns about genetic discrimination affecting their insurance coverage. Concerns were higher among certain age groups, ethnicities, and income levels, with some participants expressing fear of being discriminated against due to a genetic predisposition.
A study of gene expression in a microbial community found over 2,000 proteins produced by five key species, including unique enzymes that maintain protein structure in acidic conditions. The community thrives in hot, highly acidic environments, with large numbers of proteins not resembling any other known proteins.
Researchers have identified ferroportin 1 as essential for normal iron cycling in zebrafish. This discovery sheds light on the importance of ferroportin 1 in maintaining iron homeostasis in humans. Understanding its function is crucial for developing effective treatments for iron-related disorders.
Researchers discovered highest blood iron levels among Asians and Pacific Islanders, yet lowest prevalence of associated HFE gene mutations. The study recruited over 100,000 participants to better understand hemochromatosis prevalence in diverse ethnic groups.
A massive study of 100,000 individuals found that Caucasians have the highest prevalence of hemochromatosis/iron overload due to a specific gene mutation. In contrast, Asian and Pacific Islanders have high blood iron levels despite lower genetic mutations, suggesting a different underlying cause.
A study of 11,800 adults found that genetic screening for haemochromatosis was well-received by participants, with low anxiety levels and no discrimination from insurance companies. The authors argue that the benefits of screening outweigh the risks, making it a cost-effective option for preventing iron accumulation.
Researchers discovered two most chemically primitive stars, HE0107-5240 and HE1327-2326, offering insights into the universe's early stages. These unevolved dwarf stars have iron contents significantly lower than previously known stars, providing a glimpse into the elements produced during supernova explosions.
Research reveals that nitrite is a potent inhibitor of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the liver and heart, limiting cell death and preserving organ function. Additionally, adipocyte-derived collagen VI promotes early tumor growth in breast cancer, while EBV proteins drive immune responses in multiple sclerosis.
A study conducted in South Africa found that mild iron deficiency in mothers can disrupt healthy mother/infant interactions. The research showed that mildly iron-deficient mothers were less sensitive to their baby's cues and appeared bored or distant more frequently, leading to changes in child behavior.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School found that ferroportin is the major iron exporter in key sites of absorption and release. This protein's loss of control may lead to excessive iron accumulation in tissues, causing hereditary disease hemochromatosis.
Researchers investigate iron's impact on phytoplankton growth in the sub-Arctic Pacific, a crucial nutrient for ocean life. The findings could inform strategies to mitigate global warming by addressing the ocean's ecological dynamics.
Researchers found that air pollution can convert insoluble iron into a soluble form, making it available to phytoplankton. This process is important for ocean fertility and carbon dioxide absorption, with small dust storms producing enough soluble iron to fertilize the ocean.
A new study has created a cancer-killing compound that selectively targets leukemia cells, while sparing normal cells. The compound, derived from the wormwood plant, works by exploiting the unique iron needs of cancer cells.
Sprinkles, a powder containing microencapsulated iron and micronutrients, has been found to be as effective as ferrous sulphate in treating anemia in children. The treatment has been shown to have fewer side effects and is more acceptable to caregivers. Sprinkles have been distributed to over 15,000 children in developing countries, re...
A new study by OHSU researchers suggests that two types of iron nanoparticles can effectively degrade carbon tetrachloride, a toxic contaminant in groundwater. The study found that one type of nanoparticle quickly and effectively broke down carbon tetrachloride into harmless products.
A Mayo Clinic study found that children with restless legs syndrome have a higher risk of family history and iron deficiency, which may be linked to the condition. The study examined 538 children and found that 72% had a family history of restless legs syndrome, with mothers being three times more likely to be affected.
A study suggests that nutrient declines in garden crops have increased over the past 50 years, with notable decreases in protein, calcium, and riboflavin. The researchers attribute these declines to changes in cultivated varieties used today, which prioritize higher yields over nutrient content.
Scientists at UCLA and Univ. of Utah have discovered that the hormone hepcidin regulates ferroportin, an iron-transporting molecule, controlling iron release in the bloodstream. This finding may lead to treatments for hemochromatosis and anemia of chronic disease, affecting millions worldwide.
A new study reveals that iron deficiency in the brain's substantia nigra region may contribute to restless legs syndrome. Elevated levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were found in individuals with RLS, suggesting a link between cellular iron deficiency and dopamine regulation.
Research by FSU scientist Cathy Levenson reveals that dietary iron imbalances trigger a chain of cellular events increasing the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Excessive iron levels precipitate symptoms in healthy mice, while low levels delay onset and slow disease progression in those already infected.
Researchers found a 10% higher concentration of iron in lava samples from Hawaii compared to other volcanic regions, providing new insights into the Earth's mantle. The discovery could help scientists study the iron-rich core below the mantle using this method.
A study by Dr. Namanjeet Ahluwalia found that iron deficiency in older women can impair immune function, affecting T-cell and granulocyte responses to infection. The study included 72 healthy women over 60 living in rural Pennsylvania counties.
Researchers at Penn State are part of a multi-institutional project studying restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition characterized by creepy-crawly sensations in the legs. The study aims to explore treatment options and causes of RLS, including iron deficiency and FDA-approved pharmaceuticals.
Preschoolers' diets have improved with increased servings of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, but also saw a rise in added sugar and juice intake over the past 21 years. Children with healthier diets are less likely to be sick or overweight.
Research reveals high charges in cloud drops may influence precipitation and study suggests Arctic clouds' structure affects global warming. A new model also proposes ancient snowfall as a source of water for Mars' channels near Tharsis.
Computer models show Io's volcanic eruptions vaporize sodium, potassium, silicon, and iron gases into its atmosphere. Researchers found single-atom and molecular forms of these elements, which could lead to unusual gas formations.
Researchers have developed an iron oxide nanoparticle that can outline brain tumors and other lesions for up to five days under MRI, providing a new imaging marker. This contrast agent has the potential to assist in image-guided brain surgery and improve diagnosis of neurological disorders.
A study by Cornell University found that iron supplements improve exercise performance in non-anemic women, but only those with tissue-iron deficiency. Women with low liver iron but no anemia showed no functional impairments.
Children with iron deficiency in infancy show persistent delays in both motor skills and cognitive abilities, even after treatment. These effects are most pronounced in children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, suggesting that addressing iron deficiency is crucial to mitigating long-term impacts on brain development.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that teens eating lean beef maintained higher levels of iron and lower LDL cholesterol. The researchers also aimed to establish healthy eating habits among young adults, as they are more likely to pass them down to their own children.