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Scientists find iron 'snow' in Earth's core

Researchers propose a new theory that iron particles fall from the molten outer core and accumulate on the inner core, creating piles up to 200 miles thick. This phenomenon could help explain seismic wave anomalies and provide insights into the Earth's interior composition and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateDec 19, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Diet, not exercise, may be key to addressing our biggest cause of liver disease

A new study found that people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have lower physical work capacity due to a functional iron deficiency, which impairs energy production. The research suggests focusing on improving iron availability through diet may be more effective than exercise in addressing the condition.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateDec 11, 2019

Study sheds new light on role iron biology plays in disease

New research from the University of Alberta sheds light on iron biology's role in three human diseases: porphyria, Andersen disease, and Wolfram syndrome. The study finds that a protein called aconitase regulates genes in the nucleus to control iron levels.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2019

Ancient microbes helped to keep Earth's early climate warm

New research suggests ancient microorganisms played a critical role in setting the stage for life on a dimly lit early Earth. These microbes transformed iron into rusty minerals without oxygen and served as a food source for other microbes, producing methane that warmed the planet's atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 29, 2019

Discovery increases chance of improving iron content in plants

Researchers have identified a key regulator in iron uptake in plants, which controls hundreds of genes and has the potential to increase iron potency in crops like rice and wheat. The study's findings could provide a solution to iron deficiency affecting over 2 billion people globally.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Icebergs as a source of nutrients

A study published in Nature Communications found that while climate change increases iceberg production, it doesn't necessarily lead to increased iron input into the oceans. Ice samples from around the world revealed varying levels of iron content, with some ice containing up to a million times more iron than others.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2019

Protective microparticles shield and deliver micronutrients to people

A team of scientists has created a new microparticle-based platform that can preserve and deliver micronutrients such as iron. The particles address issues with preservation, which have hindered treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 13, 2019

Microparticles could help fight malnutrition

Researchers at MIT have developed a way to encapsulate iron and vitamin A in a biocompatible polymer, which can be easily added to staple foods. The technology has the potential to help billions of people suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, particularly children who are more susceptible to diseases like measles.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 13, 2019

Many teens have low iron, B12 levels years after bariatric surgery

A new study from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals that many teenagers who undergo bariatric surgery experience low iron and B12 levels years later. Regular nutrition check-ups and supplementation can minimize these risks, emphasizing the importance of annual assessments.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateNov 8, 2019

Unearthing history

A team of researchers has identified a fingerprint of oxidizing fluids in ancient subducted oceanic crust found on the Greek island of Sifnos. The discovery, published in Nature Geoscience, reveals that garnet crystals can preserve zonation of iron isotopic composition from early formed core to later forming rims.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 28, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Atomic-level imaging could offer roadmap to metals with new properties

Researchers developed a new process to create atomic resolution chemical maps for high-entropy alloys, revealing patterns that could help design alloys with superior mechanical properties. The approach enabled the discovery of unconventional atomic structures and their potential impact on alloy behavior.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 9, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Combining cheap and safe black and white materials creates colorful pigments

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed colorful pigments by combining fine silica particles and iron tannic acid, a safe and inexpensive alternative to conventional harmful color materials. The new pigments can be adjusted in color and viewing angle, opening up possibilities for everyday life.

SourceNagoya University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 25, 2019

Engineered protein crystals make cells magnetic

Researchers have engineered protein crystals that can generate magnetic forces many times stronger than previously reported. By introducing these crystals into living cells, scientists can move the cells around with a magnet, offering potential applications in fields such as biotechnology and biomedical engineering.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 25, 2019

How and when was carbon distributed in the Earth?

Researchers investigated carbon partitioning between iron liquid and silicate melt under high-pressure conditions using a boron nitride capsule. The new experimental result shows that the partition coefficient of carbon is several times lower than previous studies, suggesting that carbon in a magma ocean may not have been as depleted.

SourceEhime University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 24, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New lithium battery design could mean lighter, safer batteries for Soldiers

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new cathode and electrolyte system using transition metal fluorides and solid polymer electrolytes, showing remarkable stability and potential for safer, lighter lithium-ion batteries. The new design has more than double the lithium capacity of traditional cobalt- or nickel-based cathodes.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 18, 2019

Anemia may contribute to the spread of dengue fever

Research suggests that anemia, characterized by low levels of iron in the blood, can facilitate the colonization and multiplication of the dengue virus in mosquitoes. Iron supplementation may potentially reduce the transmission of dengue fever to mosquitoes in affected areas.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 16, 2019

Meatballs might wreck the anti-cancer perks of tomato sauce

A new study from Ohio State University found that eating iron-rich foods with tomato sauce can decrease lycopene uptake by twofold. This could have significant implications for individuals consuming high amounts of lycopene and iron, such as those eating Bolognese sauces or fortified cereals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateSep 16, 2019

Sandia experiments at temperature of sun offer solutions to solar model problems

Physicists at Sandia National Laboratories' Z machine found that an astronomical model underestimates the energy blockage caused by free-floating iron atoms. The experimental opacity measurements can help resolve a major discrepancy in how the Standard Solar Model uses the sun's composition to predict star behavior.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 11, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Stretchy plastic electrolytes could enable new lithium-ion battery design

Researchers at Georgia Tech develop stretchy plastic electrolytes that enable new lithium-ion battery designs with less reliance on scarce metals. The new cathode and electrolyte system shows remarkable stability even at high temperatures, promising safer, lighter, and cheaper batteries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 9, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Methane-producing microorganism makes a meal of iron

A new study by Penn State researchers proposes an updated biochemical pathway explaining how Methanosarcina acetivorans uses iron to produce methane and carbon dioxide. The microorganism can now be manipulated to alter greenhouse gas production, offering potential for climate change mitigation.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 4, 2019

Getting to the root of how plants tolerate too much iron

Scientists have identified a major genetic regulator of iron tolerance, called GSNOR, which enables plants to grow in environments with high iron levels. The discovery could lead to crop species that thrive in soils with excess iron, improving food security and yields.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2019

Flathead Bio Station researcher helps uncover ocean iron level mystery

Researchers discovered that Asian dust brings nutrients to the ocean, affecting plankton growth and nutrient availability. The study confirms how tightly coupled plankton biology is to iron supply from the atmosphere, highlighting the need for considering atmospheric and ocean circulation variability in forecasting climate change impacts.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2019

Stressed plants must have iron under control

Researchers discovered that stressed plants control iron levels within cells, adapting to scarcity rather than redistribution. This finding highlights the importance of 'external borders' in cellular response strategies.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournaliScience·DateAug 15, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Ultra-thin layers of rust generate electricity from flowing water

Thin films of rust can convert kinetic energy into electricity when exposed to saltwater, offering a new method for sustainable power generation. The electrokinetic effect is around 30% efficient and has potential applications in tidal energy conversion and implantable devices.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Charge transfer within transition-metal dyes analysed

A team of researchers at HZB has investigated the fundamental photochemical processes around metal atoms and its ligands in transition-metal dyes. They found that charge carriers are not spatially separated as previously assumed, but rather undergo a rapid recombination process.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 9, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Is a great iron fertilization experiment already underway?

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that human activities contribute significantly to iron pollution in the North Atlantic Ocean. The research used isotope ratios of iron to 'fingerprint' its source and revealed that human-derived iron was present in dust samples, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2019

High on iron? It stops anemia but has a downside

A global study found that high iron levels are associated with a reduced risk of high cholesterol and anaemia, while also increasing the risk of bacterial skin infections. Researchers used genetic and clinical data from approximately 500,000 people in the UK Biobank to make their findings.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 20, 2019

Gold for iron nanocubes

Researchers at the University of Helsinki and OIST have developed a novel method to create hybrid Au/Fe nanoparticles with unprecedented complexity. This breakthrough enables precise control over shape, size, and elemental composition, opening up new avenues for emerging applications.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 17, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

BU finds iron may not improve fertility

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found no consistent association between iron consumption and conception. However, non-heme iron intake was associated with a slightly increased chance of pregnancy in certain groups, such as women who had previously given birth or experienced heavy menstrual cycles.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 10, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Magnetism discovered in the Earth's mantle

Researchers from Germany, France, Denmark, and the USA have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Earth's magnetic field. By studying iron oxide hematite under extreme conditions, they found that it retains its magnetic properties even deep in the mantle, challenging the long-held assumption of its non-magnetic nature.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2019

How deep-ocean vents fuel massive phytoplankton blooms

Researchers at Stanford University discovered an aquatic highway that lets nutrients from Earth's belly reach surface waters off Antarctica, stimulating explosive growth of microscopic ocean algae. Hydrothermal vents may affect life near the ocean's surface and global carbon cycle more than previously thought.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2019

Finding the cause of capacity loss in a metal-oxide battery material

Researchers found that buildup of lithium oxide and decomposition of electrolyte lead to rapid capacity fade in magnetite-based electrode material. The conversion reaction is not fully reversible, causing residual products to accumulate and block electron transport.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Superconductor's magnetic persona unmasked

New experiments by US, Chinese and European physicists have found iron selenide's magnetic properties are highly anisotropic, like other iron superconductors. The material's structure and electronic behavior are surprisingly similar to those of other iron-based superconductors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 20, 2019

New research supports volcanic origin of Kiruna-type iron ores

Researchers from Uppsala University have made significant findings on the origin of Kiruna-type iron ores, supporting a high-temperature magmatic process in volcanic settings. The study uses Fe and O isotopes to chemically fingerprint the processes leading to formation, shedding light on the global importance of these deposits.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2019

Iron volcanoes may have erupted on metal asteroids

Researchers propose that metallic asteroids could have erupted volcanoes spewing liquid iron, with signs of 'ferrovolcanism' potentially detectable in iron meteorites. The study suggests NASA's Psyche mission may uncover evidence of past eruptions on the asteroid.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 8, 2019

Study looks to iron from microbes for climate help

A new study proposes using iron powder produced by bacteria to stimulate growth of phytoplankton in the ocean, which can help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This approach aims to supplement decreasing carbon emissions and mitigate climate change by fertilizing microscopic ocean plants.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateApr 3, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Do minerals play a role in development of multiple sclerosis?

A new study published in Neurology found no link between dietary intake of minerals like zinc, iron, and other minerals with the development of multiple sclerosis. The study involved over 80,000 female nurses and found no association between mineral intake and MS risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 3, 2019

Simplified synthesis

A novel iron catalyst has been discovered to simplify and streamline organic chemical synthesis, reducing costs and waste. This breakthrough could have huge implications for industries such as pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Catalysis·DateMar 27, 2019

Iron measurements with MRI reveal stroke's impact on brain

A new MRI method measures iron content to monitor recovery from stroke-related damage and track neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra. Higher iron levels are associated with worse long-term outcomes and potential therapies may slow or stop degeneration.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 12, 2019

A lawn is better than fertilizer for growing healthy blueberries

Researchers have discovered that growing grasses alongside blueberry plants corrects iron deficiency, leading to increased antioxidant content and improved berry quantity. Intercropping with grass species has been shown to provide a natural source of iron chelators, comparable to synthetic treatments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 12, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Scientists go to extremes to reveal make-up of Earth's core

New insights into Earth's core chemical make-up were gained through extreme laboratory experiments, revealing the presence of silicon alongside iron and nickel. The discovery supports existing theories on planet formation driven by meteorite interactions, shedding light on the Earth's 4.5 billion-year-old history.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMar 12, 2019