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The ties that bind

A common mineral in red soils, goethite locks away trace metals over time, rendering them unavailable for plants and animals. The study found that up to 70% of nickel was non-recoverable and only 8% of cadmium was irreversibly bound.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 15, 2024

Green steel from toxic red mud

Scientists at Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung have developed a method to produce green steel from toxic red mud using an electric arc furnace and hydrogen plasma, potentially saving 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2. The process is also economically viable, requiring only 30-40% iron oxide in the red mud.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2024

Meteorites likely source of nitrogen for early Earth

A study of Ryugu samples suggests that micrometeorites from icy celestial bodies in the outer Solar System transported nitrogen compounds to near-Earth regions. This discovery could provide clues about the origins of nitrogen on our planet, potentially serving as a building block for life.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Calls for improved support about menstruation changes during perimenopause

A new study highlights how perimenopausal women's periods may become unpredictable, heavy, and cause worse premenstrual symptoms. The research suggests that improved education and support are needed to manage these changes, including extra support in the workplace, emotional support from loved ones, and access to support groups.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPost Reproductive Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 20, 2023

Novel C. diff structures are required for infection, offer new therapeutic targets

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered iron storage 'spheres' inside C. diff bacteria, which are crucial for infection and offer new targets for antibacterial drugs. The study, published in Nature, also reveals that bacteria may compartmentalize biochemical processes in a way similar to eukaryotic cells.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Exploding stars

Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf are studying near-Earth cosmic explosions to understand their potential impact on the Earth's biosphere. They found that ejected debris can reach our solar system, with some isotopes, such as iron-60 and plutonium-244, potentially coming from supernovae or other galactic events.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalAnnual Review of Nuclear and Particle Science·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 2, 2023

Genomic screening to identify iron overload encourages patients to seek treatment and condition management, study finds

A Geisinger Health System study found that genomic screening for hereditary hemochromatosis type 1 can identify underdiagnosed cases and encourage treatment. The screening program resulted in 69% of those notified proceeding with a lab test, and 69% of those showing iron overload beginning subsequent treatment.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 26, 2023

Researchers probe molten rock to crack Earth’s deepest secrets

A team of researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has made a groundbreaking discovery about the behavior of iron in molten rock materials, shedding light on Earth's evolution and the study of exoplanets. The findings reveal that iron in these materials mostly has a low-spin state under extreme pressure and temperature condi...

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2023

Iron atoms discovered on the move in Earth’s solid inner core

A study led by the University of Texas at Austin found that certain groupings of iron atoms in the Earth's inner core are able to move about rapidly, changing their places in a split second. This collective motion could help explain numerous intriguing properties of the inner core and shed light on its role in powering Earth's geodynamo.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2023

OHSU scientists discover new cause of Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia

Researchers found that ferroptosis, a form of cell death caused by iron buildup, destroys microglia cells in the brain's immune response, contributing to cognitive decline. The study's findings may lead to the development of compounds targeting microglial degeneration, offering new hope for Alzheimer's and vascular dementia treatments.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 5, 2023

A first for ferrocene: Organometallic capsule with unusual charge-transfer interactions

A ferrocene-based capsule with unusual charge-transfer interactions has been synthesized, allowing for reversible encapsulation and release of guest molecules. The capsule can bind to a variety of organic and inorganic dyes and electron-accepting molecules, demonstrating its potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and chemic...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

Microbial corrosion of iron

Researchers found that bacteria with electrically conductive protein threads can corrode iron anaerobically, producing magnetite that facilitates further corrosion. The discovery has significant implications for corrosion protection and suggests taking material properties into consideration.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

Chloride ions from seawater eyed as possible lithium replacement in batteries of the future

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries. This technology leverages abundant elements such as iron oxides and hydroxides, potentially repurposing iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

New research uncovers potential benefits, consequences of ocean iron fertilization

A new study published in Global Change Biology suggests that large-scale ocean iron fertilization could exacerbate climate change-driven nutrient shortages and productivity losses in the tropics, potentially harming coastal fisheries. The research also showed a five percent decline in fish and marine species biomass in tropical areas d...

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 6, 2023

Study suggests need for iron tests in teen girls & young women

A new study reveals that nearly 40% of teen girls and young women have low iron levels, with higher rates among Black, Latina, low-income, or low-BMI individuals. The study recommends considering routine screening for iron levels in adolescents and young women to prevent life-limiting symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

Iron-rich rocks unlock new insights into Earth’s planetary history

New research from Rice University suggests that ancient microorganisms helped cause massive volcanic events by facilitating the precipitation of minerals in banded iron formations. The study provides insight into processes that could produce habitable exoplanets and reframes scientists' understanding of Earth's early history.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Strike (aging) when the iron is hot

Scientists at SENS Research Foundation have discovered a new class of broad-spectrum senolytic drugs that target the key vulnerability in destructive aging cells. These drugs are effective against both primary and secondary senescent cells, making them a promising approach for treating age-related diseases.

SourceSENS Research Foundation·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2023

Breaking the barrier: Low-temp ammonia synthesis with iron catalysts and barium hydride

Scientists have developed a new catalyst that enables the production of ammonia at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and potentially lowering global carbon emissions. The BaH2–BaO/Fe/CaH2 catalyst facilitates nitrogen gas adsorption, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity for ammonia production.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Ammonia: Efficient hydrogen carrier and green steel enabler

Researchers at Max Planck Institute developed an ammonia-based direct reduction process to produce sustainable iron and steel, overcoming logistics and energetic disadvantages of hydrogen. The process yields the same metallization degree as hydrogen-based reduction while forming nitrides that protect the sponge iron from corrosion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2023

Synergistic iron carbide catalysts enable direct conversion of syngas into higher alcohols

Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have developed a new method to synthesize higher alcohols from syngas using synergistic iron carbide catalysts. The catalysts achieve a high oxygenate selectivity and produce a significant amount of higher alcohols, making this process a promising alternative for sustainable production.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChem Catalysis·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 24, 2023