Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Helium in the Earth's core

A new study by researchers from the University of Tokyo reveals that helium can bond with iron under extreme conditions, contradicting previous findings. The discovery suggests there could be significant amounts of helium in the Earth's core, potentially rewriting our understanding of the planet's origins.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025

Don’t bin your blood

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood researchers surveyed over 4,000 people with haemochromatosis and found that their blood and plasma can be used to save lives. The study highlights the potential for these donors to increase blood supplies globally, particularly in countries accepting plasma donations from individuals with this condition.

SourceAustralian Red Cross Lifeblood·JournalTransfusion·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 18, 2025

How staphylococcus aureus ‘steals’ iron from our blood during infections

Researchers have mapped the full sequence of protein-protein interactions during iron extraction by Staphylococcus aureus, opening possibilities for developing new treatments. The study used TR-XSS technique to observe the dynamics of IsdB-Hb complex formation and found that iron is extracted only when both Hb chains are bound to IsdB.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2025

One of the largest studies of its kind finds early intervention with iron delivered intravenously during pregnancy is a safe and effective treatment for anemia

A new study found that early intervention with iron delivered intravenously during pregnancy is a safe and effective treatment for anemia. The study, which involved over 4,000 participants in India, showed that single dose IV iron preparations can reduce the risk of low birthweight infants and anemia by delivery.

Single-cell elemental analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Scientists from Chiba University successfully analyzed human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells using a new sample introduction system, achieving accurate elemental composition measurements without damaging the cells. The study expands the potential of ICP-MS technology for mammalian cultured cell analysis.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Healthier mothers, healthier babies: Iron infusion trial could transform pregnancy care worldwide

A single iron infusion in the third trimester significantly reduces anaemia in pregnant women, with a lower prevalence at delivery compared to iron tablets. The treatment also boosts iron stores postpartum, offering a potential game-changer for maternal care and birth outcomes worldwide.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 6, 2025

New, simple, and natural method for producing vitamin B2

A team of researchers from DTU has successfully produced vitamin B2 using a novel, cost-effective, and climate-friendly method involving food-approved lactic acid bacteria. The production process requires only basic fermentation tools and can be integrated into traditional foods, enhancing public health and reducing environmental impact.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 11, 2024

Carbon recycling instead of plastic trash

A German research team has developed an electrocatalytic method for efficient degradation of polystyrene plastic waste, producing monomeric benzoyl products and short polymer chains. The process uses an inexpensive iron catalyst and can be powered by solar panels, combining recycling with green hydrogen production.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024

Surprise at the grain boundary

Researchers discovered five distinct grain boundary structures composed of different arrangements of icosahedral cage units, enabling dense packing of iron atoms. The formation of these quasicrystalline-like phases can be used to tailor material behavior and make materials more resilient against degradation processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

Role of hydrogen sulfide in the expression of iron uptake genes in escherichia coli

In this study, researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology found that hydrogen sulfide-dependent transcription factor YgaV regulates iron uptake dynamics in Escherichia coli. The team observed elevated intracellular H2S levels resulting in increased antibiotic resistance and upregulated genes involved in sulfur metabolism.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Study finds more than 80% of women iron deficient by third trimester

A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that over 80% of women are iron deficient by the third trimester of pregnancy. Despite being considered a high-resource setting, the study revealed alarming rates of iron deficiency among healthy pregnant women. This finding emphasizes the importance of routin...

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2024

Iron given through the vein corrects iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women faster and better than iron taken by mouth

A recent clinical trial found that an IV iron treatment called ferric carboxymaltose works faster and better than oral iron tablets in treating anaemia during pregnancy. The study showed improved haemoglobin levels and iron correction with the IV treatment, with comparable side effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2024

Billions worldwide consume inadequate levels of micronutrients critical to human health

A new study found significant intake inadequacies for nearly all evaluated micronutrients, with iodine and vitamin E deficiencies being the most prevalent. The researchers estimated inadequate intakes were higher for women than men in some countries, highlighting a need for targeted dietary interventions.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Over half of iron deficiency cases in large health system still unresolved at three years

A study of 13,084 adults with iron deficiency found that 42% had normal iron levels within three years, while 58% continued to have low ferritin levels. Factors associated with faster resolution included older age, male sex, and Medicare insurance. Persistent delays in treatment highlight the need for improved recognition and efficient...

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateAug 15, 2024

A taste for carbon dioxide

Researchers discovered that the iron nitrogenase can convert CO2 into methane and formic acid, making it a promising starting point for developing novel CO2 reductases. The enzyme's low selectivity for CO2 also suggests its potential for widespread use in nature.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2024

Significant link found between heme iron, found in red meat and other animal products, and type 2 diabetes risk

A new study found a significant association between higher heme iron intake and type 2 diabetes risk. Participants with the highest heme iron intake had a 26% higher risk of developing T2D than those in the lowest intake group. The researchers also identified key metabolic biomarkers associated with this increased risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2024

Declining iron levels in women in the military

A recent study published in BMJ Military Health found that female conscripts' iron deficiency more than doubled from 25% to 55% after five months of basic military training. The study also showed a significant decrease in ferritin levels, which can lead to anemia and fatigue.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMJ Military Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2024

Combining simulations and experiments to get the best out of Fe3Al

A team from Osaka University used electron microscopy and computer simulations to study the kinetics of microstructure formation in Fe3Al, leading to a deeper understanding of its superelastic properties. The findings could provide insights for heat treatments and applications in construction and healthcare industries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalActa Materialia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2024

POSTECH and ImmunoBiome team make strides in microbiome-based cancer therapies by iron deprivation at the tumor microenvironment

A team of POSTECH and ImmunoBiome has discovered a dietary-derived bacterial strain, IMB001, that induces nutritional immunity and boosts anti-tumor responses. The strain works by skewing tumor-infiltrating macrophages toward an inflammatory phenotype, leading to increased cell death of rapidly multiplying tumor cells.

The rise of microbial cheaters in iron-limited environments

Researchers uncover evolutionary history of secreted iron uptake molecules in yeasts, revealing complex dynamics between cooperation and competition for this essential nutrient. Yeast species have developed alternative mechanisms to utilize siderophores without producing them, offering insights into the evolution of microbial strategies.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2024

Large-scale study explores genetic link between colorectal cancer and meat intake

Researchers linked red/processed meat consumption to increased colorectal cancer risk, highlighting two genetic markers (HAS2 and SMAD7) that alter cancer risk levels based on meat intake. The study analyzed data from nearly 70,000 people and found a 30-40% increased risk for those with high red or processed meat intake.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Iron restriction keeps blood stem cells young

A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that restricting iron levels in blood stem cells can reverse their decline and improve regenerative capacity. The researchers discovered that excess intracellular iron activates inflammation within HSCs, while restricted iron levels enable them to multiply and respond effectively.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024