Articles tagged with Zinc
Researchers at Utrecht University and TU Wien have developed special light waves that can bypass scattering in complex media, enabling precise imaging of objects. This breakthrough could revolutionize biological experiments, such as studying cells, by controlling light distribution inside tissues.
Researchers from the University of Córdoba found that foliar application is an efficient strategy to increase zinc content in plants by up to 50%. This method was more effective than soil application and can be beneficial for growers in developing countries where diets are limited to vegetable products grown in low-nutrient soils.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum and University of Duisburg-Essen developed a stable copper catalyst for CO2 conversion using boron. The catalyst's selectivity and long-term stability were improved, enabling the formation of larger carbon compounds that can be used as base chemicals or fuels.
Scientists have identified two specific proteins in plants that act as zinc sensors, allowing them to absorb and transport zinc more efficiently. This discovery could lead to the development of more nutritious crops, particularly for areas where malnutrition is prevalent.
Researchers found that minute amounts of zinc oxide in intimate contact with copper significantly improve the methanol production process. The study reveals how the choice of support material affects the behavior of active catalyst components, leading to changes in reaction selectivity.
A study by physicians from IMIM found that administering zinc to COVID-19 patients with low zinc levels can reduce mortality and recovery time, while also preventing severe effects in at-risk groups. The study revealed a direct link between higher zinc levels and reduced risk of death from COVID-19.
An international team has developed a cassava variety with high-level resistance to two devastating diseases and higher levels of iron and zinc. The research builds on previous work demonstrating that increasing mineral content in cassava storage roots is possible using RNAi-mediated technology.
Researchers found that high-dose zinc and ascorbic acid supplementation did not significantly impact symptom length or reduction among ambulatory patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study suggests that treatment with these supplements may be ineffective against the virus.
Researchers at Wayne State University found that zinc supplementation can prevent mitochondrial damage in young egg and sperm cells, as well as enhance immunity against COVID-19. Zinc may also improve embryo quality and potentially lessen some pregnancy complications.
Researchers have developed a prototype of an anode-free zinc-based battery that uses low-cost, naturally abundant materials. The battery shows high efficiency, energy density and stability, opening new directions for using aqueous zinc-based batteries in energy storage systems.
An international research team has developed a new zinc-air battery chemistry using a non-alkaline, aqueous electrolyte, overcoming previous technical obstacles. The new battery exhibits higher chemical stability and electrochemical reversibility, with potential to compete with lithium-ion batteries.
Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have created a unique method to extract valuable metals like zinc from fly ash produced by incinerating solid waste. This innovative approach can help reduce environmental pollution and increase the profitability of waste incineration, while also promoting a more circular economy.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel zinc-binding prodrug that promotes β-cell proliferation without off-target effects. The Disque Platform, a new screening platform, was used to identify this prodrug, which showed a 2.4-fold increase in β-cell numbers in culture.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have designed a new tetrahedral 'chiral zinc' molecule with exceptional stability and catalytic activity. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals and optical electronics by allowing for more efficient synthesis of chiral molecules, which are essential for many drugs.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed stable catalysts for water splitting and CO2 reduction by studying atomic surface structures. The team found that specific surface angles can create microscopically small triangular holes that stabilize the material and enhance its effectiveness.
Engineers have discovered how zinc oxide surfaces and natural hydrodynamic churning can kill pathogens, with applications in water disinfection and airborne virus control. The technique uses reactive oxygen species to damage bacterial cell walls, making it effective against both surface and waterborne pathogens.
A new study by Cornell University confirms that teff grain consumption enhances the intestinal microbiome composition and function, potentially explaining lower iron and zinc deficiency rates in Ethiopia. The study used a unique in vivo approach to test the effects of teff seed extracts on living organisms.
A nanocatalyst made from zinc oxide and niobium can produce N-heterocycles with almost 100% efficiency, replacing expensive noble metal-based catalysts. The catalyst is derived from orange peel without additional chemical agents.
Research finds that lower blood zinc levels are associated with poorer outcomes in COVID-19 patients, including higher inflammation and mortality. Patients with lower plasma zinc levels had a 7% reduced risk of in-hospital mortality compared to those with higher levels.
Researchers at KIST developed a next-generation zinc ion battery that uses water-based electrolytes, eliminating the risk of explosion or fire. The new battery maintains nearly 100% capacity over 1,000 cycles and can be manufactured in flexible fiber form for wearable devices.
Scientists have developed a low-temperature resisting hybrid electrolyte for aqueous zinc-based batteries (ZBBs), exhibiting high zinc-ion conductivity at low temperature. The new electrolyte improved the performance of ZBBs, enabling high energy densities, power densities and long-cycle life at -20°C.
Researchers at West Virginia University aim to understand zinc's role in neuronal communication, using animal models and sensors to track activity. They hope to uncover the inner workings of the auditory cortex and develop new treatments for conditions like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a new rechargeable zinc battery that integrates into the structure of a robot to provide much more energy. The battery uses a network of aramid nanofibers and a water-based polymer gel, making it environmentally friendly and efficient.
A 12-week study by Oregon State University researchers found that taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement with zinc and high amounts of vitamin C reduced the severity and duration of illness symptoms in older adults. The supplement improved vitamin C and zinc levels in the blood, which are important for immune function.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and Max Planck Institute discovered that the zinc component of the methanol catalyst is positively charged and has two copper-based active sites. This finding offers ideas for optimizing the catalyst in the future.
Current research suggests that adequate zinc status can lower the risk of infectious respiratory diseases, pneumonia, and its complications. Zinc intake has also shown promise in modulating inflammation and suppressing viral replication, including coronaviruses that cause COVID-19.
Researchers applied zinc foliar application to hard red spring wheat cultivars, increasing grain zinc concentration above the target level of 40 mg kg-1. The second application at flowering stage was necessary for this achievement, and price incentives are needed to motivate farmers to adopt biofortification.
Researchers have created a new process for depositing ultra-thin layers of zinc oxide, which can be used to produce high-quality gas sensors and barrier layers. The non-pyrophoric precursor allows for safe handling and low-temperature processing, enabling the coating of plastics.
Scientists have discovered previously unrecognized structural lines 100 miles down in the earth, signaling locations of giant copper, lead, zinc deposits. The discovery could narrow search areas and reduce future mine footprints.
Researchers developed a composite membrane for long-life zinc-based flow batteries, improving cycle life and energy efficiency by regulating zinc deposition morphology. The new membrane can stabilize alkaline zinc-iron flow batteries for 500 charge-discharge cycles with over 80% energy efficiency.
Scientists have developed a new method using zinc isotope analysis to determine the diet of fossil vertebrates. The study found that the ratio of special zinc isotopes in dental enamel can identify whether an animal was a herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore.
A study suggests that zinc isotope analysis can reconstruct past food webs in ancient mammals by analyzing stable isotopes in fossil tooth enamel. The results show distinct patterns in δ66Zn values for carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores, with potential applications in archeological and paleontological research.
A recent study published in BMJ Open found that zinc lozenges did not shorten the duration of common colds, contradicting previous findings. The researchers suggest further research is needed to determine optimal dosage and type of lozenges for effectiveness.
Leatherback turtle eggs laid in Bocas del Toro nesting beaches contain high concentrations of trace metals, posing a health risk to local communities. The ingestion of these eggs could lead to increased lifetime carcinogenic risk for adults and children.
A randomized clinical trial examined the effects of daily folic acid and zinc supplementation on semen quality and live births among 2,300 couples. The study found that folic acid and zinc supplementation improved semen quality and increased the chances of conception.
A new study conducted at University of Utah Health found that zinc and folic acid supplements did not improve sperm counts or pregnancy rates in men. The researchers also noted a higher proportion of broken DNA in sperm among those who took the supplements, which could contribute to male infertility.
The US Department of Defense has awarded the University of Kansas $2.5 million to advance seismic technology for detecting abandoned mines and tunnels. The research will focus on improving seismic data quality and detection efficiency, with tests conducted in known tunnels in the United States and abroad.
Scientists at Kanazawa University successfully controlled magnetic anisotropy through electric polarization, enabling nonvolatile memory. The researchers applied electricity to a zinc oxide layer, affecting the cobalt-platinum alloy below.
A new experimental test made from bacterial innards has high potential as a basis for an inexpensive, easy malnutrition test for use in the field. The test can detect zinc levels and quantify clinically relevant levels, allowing aid agencies to get immediate information and influence policy decisions on nutritional interventions.
Scientists have developed a new technique to study nanoscale chemical structures and local electronic states using tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The method breaks the diffraction limit, allowing for high-resolution analysis of materials at the atomic scale.
Researchers used X-ray imaging and nanoscale techniques to analyze the chemical processes involved in aging oil paints. The study found that metal soaps can cause deterioration in artworks, particularly those composed of oil paints. The findings have implications for art conservation and potential solutions to prevent further damage.
Research reveals dietary zinc intake protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a primary cause of pneumonia. Zinc deficiency increases susceptibility to bacterial infections.
A new rechargeable CCNY aqueous battery has been developed with a voltage of 2.45-2.8V, exceeding the 2 V barrier in aqueous zinc chemistry. The alkaline MnO2|Zn battery is expected to break the dominance of flammable and expensive lithium-ion batteries.
A Chinese-German team developed a way to boost electric conductivity of organic solar cells, increasing their performance. By doping metal oxide interlayer with modified organic dye, both efficiency and stability were improved.
Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology have developed a novel method to produce high-yield zinc oxide nanowires, enabling the mass production of electronic components. The new method improves solar cell efficiency by 6% and enables the creation of multifunctional gas sensors.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that blocking the bacterial pathogen's ability to uptake zinc can prevent gonorrhea infection. The study provides insight into how to block growth of this pathogen and could move gonorrhea vaccine development forward.
Climate change and increased CO2 levels are projected to significantly reduce the availability of critical nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc worldwide. By 2050, nutrient availability is expected to decrease by 19.5% for protein, 14.4% for iron, and 14.6% for zinc globally.
A new study found that people who get less than 7 hours of sleep per night tend to consume fewer essential vitamins and minerals. The research also revealed a greater association between poor sleep and lower nutrient intake in women.
Researchers developed a novel configuration of zinc oxide to enable multi-level logic behavior, increasing processing capacity without adding more transistors. The technology bridges the gap between conventional computers and quantum computers, which could solve certain problems faster.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered that metals can subtly affect the structure of C-peptide, a hormone involved in insulin production. The study found that certain metals, such as copper and chromium, prevent cells from taking up C-peptide, while others like zinc do not.
Astronomers found that early supernovae ejected violent jets, enriching the gas clouds of subsequent stars. The team's discovery challenges previous assumptions about the first stars' explosions.
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.
Penn State researchers develop a novel zinc germanosilicate glass with high transparency, UV shielding, and favorable forming properties, making it an ideal material for lens applications. The new glass composition overcomes roadblocks associated with achieving high refractive index, such as crystallization and toxicity.
Researchers at UNH have developed a new hydrogel that deactivates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) responsible for corneal melting by removing zinc ions. This localized treatment avoids side effects common with existing MMP inhibitors, paving the way for a potential contact lens therapy.
Researchers discovered zinc's role in fighting UTI bacteria, identifying its toxic effects on UPEC cells and potential avenues for non-antibiotic treatment strategies. This knowledge could lead to new therapies that don't develop resistance like traditional antibiotics.
Researchers developed cassava with significantly higher iron and zinc concentrations through genetic modification, which can improve diets and health in West Africa. The 'biofortified' cassava retains mineral levels after processing and cooking, providing a nutritionally available source of essential micronutrients.
Researchers created a damage-resistant rechargeable zinc battery with a cartilage-like solid electrolyte, extending flight time by 5 to 25 percent in drones. The batteries can withstand hard impacts and stabbing without losing voltage or starting a fire.
Genetic variations in metallothionein and zinc transporter genes impact zinc homeostasis and immune function. SNPs may influence the response to zinc supplementation in individuals with certain non-communicable diseases.
Researchers at NSLS-II produce 3D images of a single bacterial cell's chemical composition, identifying calcium and zinc distributions. The technique demonstrates high-resolution imaging capabilities for understanding cellular processes and developing medical treatments.
Researchers discovered a mechanistic link between zinc levels in neurons and the development of autism spectrum disorders, highlighting zinc's role in shaping synaptic connections. Zinc deficiency may contribute to autism through impaired synaptic maturation and neuronal circuit formation.