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Ultrashort laser pulses make greenhouse gas reactive

Researchers at the University of Bonn used ultrashort laser pulses to create a highly reactive variant of carbon dioxide, which can form new bonds with other molecules. This breakthrough has the potential to change ideas about extracting and using greenhouse gases for chemical industry.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 15, 2018

Do you know where your xenon is?

Researchers discovered xenon compounds with nickel and iron at extreme pressures and temperatures, which could explain the missing noble gas in Earth's atmosphere. The study provides evidence for previously theorized compounds of iron and xenon under core conditions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 2018

New lithium-rich battery could last much longer

A new lithium-rich battery developed by Northwestern University can cycle more lithium ions than its common counterpart, enabling higher capacity batteries that could extend the lifespan of smartphones and cars. By leveraging both iron and oxygen to drive the chemical reaction, the battery's capacity is significantly increased.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 3, 2018

MiNT protein a fresh target to attack disease

A team of researchers at Rice University has detailed the structure of MiNT protein, which balances forces in cells' mitochondria. This discovery could provide a new target to treat cancer, diabetes and other diseases by regulating iron and reactive oxygen species.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

Bronze Age artifacts used meteoric iron

Recent research reveals that all Bronze Age iron artifacts were made from meteoric iron, a rare and valuable source of the metal. This finding challenges previous theories on the origins of bronze and provides new insights into ancient metalworking practices.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateDec 4, 2017

A huge hydrogen generator at the Earth's core-mantle boundary

A new study by an international research group has discovered a natural process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen at the Earth's core-mantle boundary. This reaction could generate massive amounts of free hydrogen, affecting the deep Earth's water and hydrogen cycles. The findings also suggest the potential for large-scale oxyg...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 22, 2017

Renaissance of the iron-air battery

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich observe deposits forming on iron electrodes during operation, revealing a key to improving battery performance. The findings enhance energy density and capacity, paving the way for widespread adoption in mobile applications.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNano Energy·DateNov 16, 2017

Pulling iron out of waste printer toner

A team of researchers has created a process to transform residual toner powder from discarded printer cartridges into iron, offering an environmentally friendly way to reuse electronic waste. The method involves heating the toner powder to 1550 °C, resulting in a product with 98% pure iron.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 15, 2017

Predictions by GSI scientists now confirmed

Researchers detect electromagnetic waves from neutron star merger, confirming predictions of heavy element production. The event is a milestone in understanding astrophysical processes and requires precise nuclear data to be fully understood.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 16, 2017

New study shows that Americans are not eating much bread

A new study published in the journal Nutrients shows that despite popular belief, Americans consume very little bread, with only less than 15% of total calories coming from grain foods. However, this small amount of grain food provides a disproportionately positive amount of critical nutrients, including dietary fiber, folate, and iron.

SourceThe Ginger Network·JournalNutrients·DateAug 31, 2017

Multi-nutrient rice against malnutrition

Researchers have successfully created a multi-nutrient rice variety that produces iron, zinc, and beta-carotene, addressing micronutrient deficiencies. The new rice lines could provide a solution to hidden hunger in Asia and Africa if they are widely adopted.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2017

Millions may face protein deficiency as a result of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that rising CO2 levels may lead to a decline in the nutritional value of staple crops, increasing the risk of dietary deficiencies among vulnerable populations. The study estimates that up to 150 million people may be at risk of protein deficiency due to elevated CO2 levels.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 2, 2017

New MRI contrast agent tested on big animals

Researchers developed a new non-toxic contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), surpassing gadolinium's limitations. The agent, PEG-IONCs, demonstrated high biocompatibility in rabbits, beagle dogs, and macaque monkeys, showing promise as a next-generation diagnostic tool.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 31, 2017

Cells pumping iron to prevent anemia

Researchers at Kyoto University identified a key gene that regulates iron uptake, revealing a functional defect in the duodenum and potentially leading to new treatment methods for anemia. The study found that Regnase-1 degrades iron-controlling genes, such as TfR1, which can help prevent debilitating disorders like hemochromatosis.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 29, 2017

Helping plants pump iron

A recent study at Salk Institute found that genetic variants of a single gene, FRO2, play a crucial role in determining a plant's ability to grow and stay healthy in environments with limited iron. The research has the potential to improve crop yields and increase dietary sources of iron for animals and humans.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2017

Magnetic order in a two-dimensional molecular chessboard

In a breakthrough study, Uppsala researchers demonstrate magnetic order in a two-dimensional molecular chessboard lattice consisting of organometallic molecules. The researchers created long-range magnetic order at low temperatures through the transmission of Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interactions and Kondo screening.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2017

A rusty green early ocean?

Researchers suggest ancient ocean had green rusty mineral, green rust, which could have delivered substantial proportion of iron to early ocean sediments. Green rust forms under low oxygen conditions and can transform into iron oxides over time.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2017