Articles tagged with Zinc
Infants following baby-led weaning tend to be exclusively breastfed longer and eat meals with their families, which is great for long-term health. However, they have higher fat intakes and lower nutrient levels compared to spoon-fed babies.
Researchers at Oregon State University have created a new technology to induce and control boiling bubble formation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency of steam boilers in large electric generating facilities. The approach uses piezoelectric inkjet printing and zinc oxide nanostructures to precisely control bub...
Scientists discovered that the size of zinc sparks in human eggs is a direct measure of their quality and ability to develop into embryos. This breakthrough could lead to non-invasive and easily visible methods to assess egg health before implantation.
A recent study by UMass Amherst researchers found that zinc deficiency is associated with chronic inflammation in HIV-positive individuals. Higher serum zinc concentrations were linked to lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation.
A team of scientists has identified a mechanism responsible for delivering zinc into crop seeds, paving the way for breeding plants with enhanced zinc content. The discovery could lead to improved nutritional value in a large part of the human diet.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a method to replace surface ions of copper oxide nanocrystals with sodium sulfide, transforming them into hollow copper sulfide nanocages. This process allows for the creation of cadmium sulfide and zinc sulfide nanocages through subsequent chemical conversions.
Researchers review phosphonate-based matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, which exhibit selective and potent activity on bone resorption. The authors propose these alternatives as a potential therapeutic target for chronic inflammation and cancer.
Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered the key trigger of Alzheimer's disease development, involving zinc ions and peptide aggregation. They propose a mechanism for transforming healthy peptides into toxic ones, paving the way for new medicine to block beta-amyloid peptide aggregation.
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a technique for creating nearly two-dimensional sheets of compounds that do not naturally form such thin materials. The new method uses a surfactant to grow crystalline faces and has great potential for different materials and applications.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that zinc supplementation significantly improved serum zinc concentrations and T-cell function in older adults with low zinc levels. The researchers also discovered a positive correlation between serum zinc levels and the number and effectiveness of T-cells.
Research suggests that genetic variation in the ZnT2 protein may be common in women and associated with abnormal zinc levels in breast milk. Women with this variation may have trouble breastfeeding and their milk may contain lower than normal amounts of zinc, posing a risk to exclusively breastfed infants.
Lunar rocks are depleted in volatile elements like potassium, sodium, and zinc. The Moon formed from an Earth-orbiting disk of vapor and molten matter, with the inner disk melt being preferentially deposited onto the Earth rather than the growing Moon.
Scientists developed a new type of thin film transistor made from zinc oxynitride, achieving electron mobility speeds about ten times greater than predecessors. The argon plasma process improved the material's stability and reduced nitrogen loss.
Researchers developed a bacterium-based biosensor that can detect zinc levels in blood samples, providing an inexpensive way to assess nutritional deficiencies. The test uses color changes to indicate zinc levels, making it visible without specialized equipment.
Researchers have discovered that metal organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit dynamic behavior, shifting between different geometries over time. This finding could lead to the synthesis of brand-new types of materials with enhanced flexibility in applications such as antimicrobial agents, hydrogen-storage materials and solar-cell components.
A new report from The Rockefeller Foundation-Lancet Commission on Planetary Health warns of impending irreversible environmental effects threatening human health. Human activities are degrading the planet's resources and ecological systems, putting future generations at risk of increased mortality rates and non-communicable diseases.
Two new studies quantify potential effects of pollinator declines and decreased zinc levels in food, estimating that up to 173 million people will suffer from vitamin A deficiency and 180 million more from zinc deficiency by 2050.
Researchers found that nanowires return to about 80% of their original shape quickly but recover the rest slowly over 20-30 minutes due to impurities in their crystal lattice.
A small audit of clinical practice found that doctors often misdiagnose zinc deficiency and are unaware of the impact of excess zinc on the body. High doses of zinc supplements can disrupt copper uptake, leading to anaemia and neurological symptoms.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new method to create transparent, stretchable conductors. The 'nano-accordion' design stretches brittle materials by geometry, inspired by everyday springs. This innovation has potential applications in flexible electronics, displays, and wearable sensors.
A recent study suggests that mutations in the ZnT2 protein, responsible for transporting zinc, can lead to severe deficiencies in breast milk and difficulties with breastfeeding. The researchers found that mice without functional ZnT2 had reduced beta-casein, fat, and lactose in their milk, impacting infant health.
New research reveals zinc may be the core of stone formation in kidneys, with changes in oxalate levels tracking dietary zinc intake. The findings suggest that understanding zinc's role in preventing kidney stones could lead to new preventive and therapeutic approaches.
A recent study led by the Ginemed fertility clinic found that sperm in the first fraction of ejaculate are more numerous, move faster, and have better DNA integrity than those in the second phase. This discovery could lead to improved fertilization rates and embryonic development.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has uncovered a previously unknown pathway that fine-tunes neural signaling by modulating glutamate NMDA-type receptors. This discovery could lead to new research avenues in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute suggests a link between zinc deficiency and activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in many diseases. Zinc inhibits the autoprocessing reaction, leading to enhanced production of the Hedgehog ligand and uncontrolled cell growth.
Researchers at Princeton University found that the common battery bounce test is not an effective way to check a battery's charge. Instead, they discovered that the bouncing increases due to the formation of tiny bridges within the zinc material, decreasing mechanical damping and causing the battery to bounce more.
A study from Oregon State University reveals that zinc deficiency can induce an increased inflammatory response in cells, particularly in older adults. The researchers found that reducing zinc levels led to improper immune cell activation and dysregulation of a cytokine IL-6, which affects inflammation.
High-dose zinc acetate lozenges have been found to shorten symptoms of the common cold, such as nasal discharge by 34% and cough by 54%. The treatment was effective in reducing muscle ache by 54%, but had no impact on headache and fever.
The new material increases sensitivity and allows early detection of small particles in rapidly burning fires. Applications include specialist sensors for fire and gas detection, air pollution monitoring, and personal electronic devices.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new process to create "hedgehog particles" that can easily disperse in water and dissolve in oil. This innovation has the potential to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from paints and coatings, resulting in fewer respiratory and climate change issues.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a method to capture images of the molecular fireworks that occur when an egg and sperm meet. The study, published in Nature Chemistry, provides unprecedented quantitative information on the role of zinc in regulating biochemical processes during fertilization.
A Northwestern University-led team uses cutting-edge technology to capture images of zinc sparks in egg cells, revealing a crucial role for zinc in regulating biochemical processes. The study's findings could improve in vitro fertilization methods by identifying high-quality fertilized eggs.
Researchers developed a blood test that detects changes in zinc isotopic composition to identify biomarkers of early breast cancer. A pilot study showed promising results, with the ability to detect key differences in zinc caused by cancer.
Researchers have identified genetic factors associated with increased iron and zinc levels in chickpea seeds, a staple food in developing countries. The findings support the development of molecular breeding strategies to enhance micronutrient content in chickpea cultivars.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University deciphered the inner workings of YiiP, a protein that prevents zinc toxicity in bacteria. The study reveals how protons drive the transport of zinc ions across cell membranes, shedding light on potential targets for modulating ZnT proteins and treating type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that female mice deprived of dietary zinc before conception experienced fertility problems and had smaller, less-developed fetuses. Zinc deficiency caused a high incidence of pregnancy loss and delayed or aberrant embryo development.
Researchers discovered that female parasitic fig wasps possess zinc-tipped ovipositor drill bits, allowing them to efficiently navigate and lay eggs within the fruit's woody interior. The drill bit's hardness and wear resistance were found to be remarkable, comparable to dental implants.
Researchers discovered a novel gene, ZIF2, that produces a protein capable of sequestering zinc inside plant cells, protecting against toxicity. The discovery opens new avenues for increasing plant tolerance to zinc and has potential applications in crop biofortification and soil remediation.
Researchers found that high CO2 levels reduce zinc and iron content in key crops like wheat, rice, and soybeans. Nutrient deficiencies affect at least 2 billion people worldwide, highlighting the need for more research on crop responses to elevated atmospheric CO2.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health finds that elevated CO2 concentrations will significantly reduce zinc and iron concentrations in crops providing a large share of the global population's dietary intake. The reduction poses a major health threat, with an estimated loss of 63 million life years annually from malnutrition.
Researchers in France have developed a new technique for studying solar panel absorber materials, which could lead to non-toxic and readily available alternatives. The technique involves resonant diffraction of single crystals, allowing for the creation of high-quality material samples.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University identified how zinc interacts with caspase-3 to regulate apoptosis. The findings may lead to targeted drug interventions for treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists found that rough zinc oxide coatings can prevent adhesion between small silicon parts, a concern in microelectromechanical systems. The study could accelerate the development of high-performance electronics and sensors.
A study reveals that zinc levels inside cartilage cells regulate and respond to the destruction of cartilage tissue in joints. The researchers identified a molecular pathway involving the protein ZIP8, which transports zinc and leads to cartilage destruction.
Handwashing and zinc are likely effective in preventing colds, with some evidence suggesting they also work for adults. Antihistamines combined with decongestants and pain medications can provide relief from symptoms, while ibuprofen and acetaminophen help with pain and fever.
Researchers from Warsaw Institute of Physical Chemistry create unique nanomaterials with unprecedented properties through reaction with carbon dioxide. The novel materials show high porosity and luminescence quantum yield, making them suitable for applications in OLEDs, energy storage, and sensing devices.
A new optical sensor created at MIT can track zinc within cells, shedding light on its functions and helping researchers study zinc trafficking in prostate cells. The sensor supports the theory that cancerous prostate cells banish zinc from mitochondria to produce extra energy.
Researchers found that zinc supplementation exhibited an antioxidant capacity, potentially reducing neurotoxic effects of aluminum on learning and memory function. The optimal dose of zinc for preventing aluminum-induced neurotoxicity was also identified.
Researchers found that zinc sprays at critical stages on apple trees increased zinc concentration, average fruit weight, and improved fruit firmness. Sugar alcohol zinc applications were more pronounced in improving fruit quality.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide and The University of Queensland discovered that zinc 'jams shut' a protein transporter in deadly bacteria, preventing manganese uptake. This finding opens the way for designing antibacterial agents to target essential transporters.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison discover that zinc ions play a crucial role in maintaining protein stability. A shortage of zinc can cause proteins to misfold and clump together, leading to cell death. Researchers identify a 'protein chaperone' called Tsa1 that prevents protein aggregation and maintains cellular balance.
Researchers found that SLC30A8 zinc transporter is crucial for insulin clearance by the liver and signals to stop releasing insulin. The study also discusses the dynamic regulatory role of zinc in insulin regulation.
Researchers develop mouse models of hereditary spastic paraplegia and distal renal tubular acidosis to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases. The studies reveal key roles for REEP1 in ER shaping and β-intercalated cells in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.
Researchers have developed a wastewater treatment device that uses spinning CDs coated with zinc oxide nanorods to break down organic pollutants in sewage. The device can treat contaminated water at an impressive rate of 150 mL per minute, making it a promising solution for small-scale water purification.
A newly discovered compound has been identified as a potential diagnostic marker for zinc status, which can help detect the harmful effects of zinc deficiency in blood vessel cells. This discovery may lead to faster and easier methods for detecting low zinc levels in the body.
Researchers at UTHealth discovered a novel signaling axis that promotes pancreatic cancer growth by activating a transcription factor CREB and an oncogenic miR-373, while suppressing tumor suppressor genes. The findings provide potential mechanistic insights into how a zinc transporter functions in cancer cells.
Researchers have discovered a unique structure that takes unusual material properties to new heights, expanding more than 10% under compression. Zinc dicyanoaurate's giant negative linear compressibility makes it promising for optical pressure sensor applications and artificial muscle design.
A recent study by MBL researchers has identified ZIP12 as a critical transporter for zinc uptake in the brain, essential for embryonic development. Impaired zinc uptake leads to neuronal growth impairment, fatal to developing embryos. The discovery highlights the importance of periconceptional and prenatal nutrition for promoting healt...
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a high-efficiency zinc-air battery with improved catalytic activity and durability, paving the way for a low-cost alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
A recent NIH study found that adding omega-3 fatty acids and lutein/zeaxanthin to a combination of nutritional supplements does not improve protection against age-related macular degeneration. However, removing beta-carotene from the supplement formulation may help reduce risk, according to researchers.