Articles tagged with Iron
A study found that moderate iron deficiency negatively impacts cognitive functioning in women aged 18-35, while iron supplementation reverses this effect. The study's findings have significant implications for the prevalence of iron deficiency, which affects over two billion people worldwide.
Researchers have found that blocking the action of the HFE gene can reduce anemia caused by chronic inflammation, providing a potential new treatment for patients. This breakthrough aims to alleviate the negative effects of withholding iron while preserving the body's natural defense mechanisms.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have unraveled the biology behind chronic inflammatory anemia and propose new drug targets. They found a key regulator of hepcidin, a hormone controlling iron levels, and suggest that inhibiting it may improve treatment for patients with anemia of chronic disease.
Scientists have quantified the transport of carbon from surface waters to the deep ocean in response to iron fertilization. The study found that while iron fertilization can enhance carbon flux and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, the quantities removed are no greater than natural plankton blooms, making it a limited solution.
Polar mesospheric clouds have been found to remove nearly all meteoric iron, a process similar to the depletion of the ozone layer. Laboratory experiments and computer modeling revealed that ice particles on the surfaces of these clouds efficiently uptake iron atoms, causing a local depletion in the metal layer.
Phytoplankton, tiny aquatic plants that convert carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, may play a crucial role in regulating Earth's atmosphere. A new study finds that iron fertilization can enhance the uptake of CO2 by phytoplankton, potentially making them more efficient carbon sinks.
Robotic Carbon Explorers tracked fertilized waters with over four-fold plankton growth, contrary to expectations that lack of silicates would limit growth. The study suggests a significant role for iron in fixing carbon dioxide in the ocean.
Research highlights the potential risks of high-protein diets, parental happiness impacting birth weight, and frequent medical errors in family physician offices. Simple dietary restrictions may reduce mortality risk associated with high transferrin saturation, while maternal report of partner happiness can predict birth weight.
A team of scientists discovered microbes that produce nanometer-scale crystals of extraordinary length, using polymer fibers as templates. The discovery may provide key insight into biomineralization, the process that produces bone, teeth, and shell.
Researchers watched the inner regions of an accretion disk, just miles from a neutron star's surface, change its structure in real-time. The observation provides new insight into the flow of a neutron star's accretion disk and could help study black holes and distant quasars.
Elevated iron stores, particularly plasma ferritin concentration, may predict type 2 diabetes risk in healthy individuals. Healthy women with moderately elevated iron levels were found to have higher baseline intake of heme iron and lower fiber and magnesium consumption.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have sequenced the genomes of the most abundant members of a community of organisms in an abandoned mine, revealing four previously unknown genomes. This breakthrough in environmental genomics opens up new avenues for understanding microbial interactions and has significant implications for addressing acid mi...
Purdue University scientists have discovered that mussels use iron to create their natural adhesive, which could have applications in medicine and industry. The discovery, led by Jonathan Wilker, has the potential to develop new surgical adhesives, rustproof coatings and antifouling paints.
Scientists have discovered that radioactive potassium can form an alloy with iron at high pressures and temperatures, potentially providing a significant heat source in the Earth's core. This finding could explain the missing potassium in the Earth's crust and mantle, and may help to power convection in the core.
Bacteria use iron oxide to breathe in anaerobic environments, allowing them to degrade toxic waste. Genetic manipulation enables tailored targeting of specific contaminants.
A new study published in Analytical Chemistry challenges the idea that the Vinland Map is a medieval forgery, instead suggesting that its ink composition supports its authenticity. The research finds that the map's ink contains elements consistent with medieval production methods, raising doubts about the possibility of forgery.
Researchers found a polymorphism in the SCL40A1 gene that increases iron storage protein levels, leading to primary iron overload. The mutation is more common in African populations and may explain the high incidence of the disease among African-Americans.
Researchers used computer-assisted MRI technology to visualize gray matter structures in the brain of MS patients, finding T2 hypointensity associated with iron deposits. The study found correlations between T2 hypointensity and impaired walking ability and cognitive impairment, suggesting a new potential target for treatment.
Researchers have discovered that oral medications commonly used to treat hypertension are also effective in preventing iron overload from causing permanent damage to the heart. The study suggests that these drugs may offer a new treatment option for patients with hereditary hemochromatosis and other genetic disorders
Research by Lehigh University engineer Wei-xian Zhang has shown that nanoscale iron particles can break down organic and heavy metals contaminants in the soil and groundwater. The treatment process is more effective and cheaper than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for cleaning up contaminated sites.
Researchers found that Prochlorococcus cyanobacteria traps atmospheric carbon dioxide and stores it in the deep sea through photosynthesis. The study reveals iron's critical role in this process, which could help combat global warming by increasing ocean levels of iron.
A team of researchers discovered a new microbe, Strain 121, that can survive and thrive in extremely hot temperatures, with growth possible up to 121 degrees Celsius. The discovery opens up possibilities for understanding life on a hot early Earth and the potential for life in extraterrestrial environments.
A study of 250 newly diagnosed patients and 388 healthy individuals found that those with high iron intake were 1.7 times more likely to have Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that eating foods rich in iron and manganese may help prevent the disease.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine discovered a possible explanation for restless leg syndrome, finding that brain cells lacking enough iron may cause misfiring of neural signals. This discovery establishes RLS as a sensory motor disorder rather than a psychological one, offering hope for future treatments.
Researchers found that radioactive elements like potassium could supply enough heat to maintain the magnetic field, contradicting previous studies. The discovery helps explain Earth's long-lasting magnetic field and may shed light on the planet's core composition.
Researchers at EMBL and Harvard have discovered that hemochromatosis, a common inherited disease, is linked to liver issues rather than intestinal problems. The study found that the defective gene Hfe affects hepcidin production in the liver, leading to iron overload.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method to incorporate iron oxide particles into porous ceramic structures, enabling size exclusion and magnetic interactions. This enables the separation of single proteins from thousands found in blood serum, with potential applications in catalytic conversion.
A new study reveals that iron deficiency leads to significant economic losses, particularly in developing countries. The research estimates that iron deficiencies result in a 0.6% loss of GDP due to physical productivity losses from adults lacking iron, rising to 4% with added learning and motor impairments.
Research found that composted biosolids can lower lead bioavailability by 20-38% in contaminated garden soil, reducing the danger of poisoning. The study's findings suggest that using composted biosolids as a soil amendment could be a cost-effective alternative to removing and replacing contaminated soils.
Researchers identified a complete iron-acquisition pathway in Staph. aureus, which also applies to Anthrax and Listeria. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to disrupt the pathway and prevent infection.
A study found that iron supplements improved iron status and reduced sick days in anemic children, regardless of the presence of upper respiratory tract infections. The research showed no increase in gastrointestinal side effects from supplementation.
Research found that people with a specific iron overload gene mutation are at higher risk of developing colon cancer, especially with increasing age and iron intake. The study analyzed DNA samples from over 1,300 adults and found a significant association between HFE gene mutations and an increased risk of colon cancer.
A study found that dark grape juice reduces iron availability by 67%, while light-colored juices increase uptake. Limiting grape juice or alternating with other juices is recommended for infants and toddlers to prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high iron stores in women of reproductive age may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research analyzed serum ferritin concentrations and their impact on cardiovascular risk factors, revealing a significant association between iron levels and...
A study found that approximately 13% of elderly individuals had high iron stores, while those consuming more fruit and whole grains had lower risks. The study suggests that a typical Western diet and unsupervised iron supplements may increase the risk of developing chronic disease.
Researchers at Rutgers-Newark are using electrical imaging to monitor the performance of permeable reactive barriers, which remove contaminants from groundwater. The study aims to improve the understanding of iron wall impacts and develop a tool for long-term monitoring of underground technologies.
A new study suggests that dust in the Kuiper Belt produces anomalous cosmic rays, which have been puzzling scientists. The research provides a possible explanation for the origin of these high-energy particles and offers insights into the composition and interactions of the solar system.
Researchers propose that Oxygen-making microbes came later, around 100 million years after the emergence of Sulfur-loving bacteria. This revised evolutionary history may explain the lack of cyanobacteria fossils in ancient iron formations and resolve biochemical contradictions.
A recent Asian dust storm triggered a massive bloom of phytoplankton in the North Pacific, suggesting that wind-blown iron from terrestrial dust can stimulate plankton growth. This observation challenges the long-held 'iron hypothesis,' which proposed that adding iron to ocean waters could offset global warming.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created synthetic cytochromes by designing a small cyclic peptide that binds to iron millions of times more strongly than without it. This peptide's unique structure enables it to facilitate electron transport across cell membranes, potentially leading to effective antibiotics.
Scientists study emesis in genetically engineered mice lacking specific PDE4 subtypes and infer that inhibition of PDE4D mediates nausea. The discovery could lead to the development of selective PDE4 inhibitors with anti-inflammatory effects, reducing side effects in humans.
Researchers have developed a new microscope technology to study the interaction between biomolecules and minerals. The study focuses on Azotobacter vinelandii, a bacterium that releases siderophores to acquire iron from minerals. The findings suggest that these molecules can also dissolve minerals and potentially remove toxic metals, l...
Researchers Katharina Lodders and her team found evidence of complex chemistry in brown dwarf atmospheres, including the formation of liquid iron clouds. The study revealed that as brown dwarfs cool, certain compounds reappear in their atmospheres.
The quasar APM 08279+5255 has a three times larger iron fraction than our solar system, contrary to expectations. This suggests an unknown efficient way of producing iron or the universe may be older than expected.
Researchers investigate active Archaean plate tectonics based on features in ultramafic blocks within oceanic crust remnants. Additionally, studies explore eukaryotic stromatolite builders' impact on Precambrian iron formations and atmospheric oxygenation.
The study found that enriched egg yolks increased red cell membrane DHA levels by 30-40% in both breast-fed and formula-fed infants. Additionally, plasma iron levels were improved in all groups, with no negative impact on cholesterol concentrations.
Researchers identified iron as a key factor in axillary bacterial growth and developed an iron-chelating compound, DTPA, to inhibit bacterial growth. Combining DTPA with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) showed significant deodorancy benefits by limiting the bacteria's access to iron.
A recent study found significant dietary deficiencies in African American females with low incomes, particularly in folate, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. The study also highlighted excessive energy intake and high levels of saturated fats. To address these concerns, nutrition education is essential to promote healthier eating habits.
Researchers found that iron oxide minerals are effective in removing lead from water, with synthetic manganese oxides showing high efficiency. Manganese oxides, especially the Birnessite form, also adsorb lead in similar amounts to naturally occurring iron oxides.
A study found that iron supplementation significantly enhanced maximal oxygen uptake and respiratory exchange ratio in iron-depleted women, improving their adaptation to aerobic exercise. Women with more depleted initial iron status showed the most improvement.
Bacteria use transporters to pump iron into cells, a process that could be exploited for new antibiotic designs. Researchers deciphered the structure of an iron transporter and found it undergoes dramatic changes when transporting iron.
A large DNA-based study revealed that only a small percentage of people with the genetic mutation for hereditary hemochromatosis develop symptoms. Most individuals with the mutation remain asymptomatic and do not experience the disease's life-shortening effects.
The 'Upwelled Iron Hypothesis' proposes that increased iron in the Southern Ocean during glacial periods came from deep ocean waters, which rose to the surface through upwelling. This input may have contributed to increased phytoplankton growth and subsequently altered the global carbon balance.
Researchers found that iron supplementation significantly improved motor and language development in rural African preschoolers, with benefits seen even in children with severe anemia. In contrast, anti-worm treatment had a small but non-significant positive effect on both motor and language development.
Researchers are using innovative noninvasive techniques to study the developing central nervous system in early iron deficiency, which affects brain development and behavior. The study aims to understand the ties between the brain and behavior, with potential implications for creating more effective interventions.
Researchers have found that certain types of iron are naturally good at fixing nitrogen from the air, a process essential for life on Earth. This discovery could lead to more efficient and eco-friendly fertilizers, reducing the industry's environmental impact.
A recent study published in Journal of Nutrition found that human intestinal cells with excess iron are more susceptible to bacterial infection. The researchers suggest that fortifying foods with high doses of iron may be causing other health problems and recommend a revision of the standard policy of iron fortification.
A new test for anaemia in young children in tropical countries has been found to improve their health and growth. The test uses a simple method involving filter paper and sample cards to determine iron deficiency, reducing the risk of malaria.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that iron-deficient children have significantly higher blood lead levels than those with normal iron levels. The researchers, led by Asa Bradman, tested blood samples from 319 Sacramento-area children and found an average blood lead level of 5.6 micrograms per deciliter in ir...
Researchers found that light reacts with iron-bound siderophores, making iron more available to marine bacteria. This process has significant implications for the ocean's iron cycle and carbon sequestration.