Articles tagged with Zinc
Studies found significant DNA damage in humans with minor zinc deficiency, highlighting the health implications of inadequate intake. Experts recommend multivitamins for elderly individuals to ensure adequate levels, as zinc is essential for antioxidant defense and DNA repair.
A new structure of the zinc transporter protein has been revealed, showing how it senses and regulates zinc levels in cells. The discovery suggests an auto-regulatory mechanism for zinc transport and may lead to the development of treatments for diseases like seizure disorders or diabetes.
Researchers developed a molecular sensor to measure zinc concentration and location in cells for the first time. The sensor revealed high zinc ions inside pancreatic cells where insulin is packaged, suggesting its involvement in type 2 diabetes.
Researchers developed a non-toxic method to synthesize zinc oxide nanorods using water and ultrasound. The approach produces uniform nanorods of 30-100 nm in diameter, suitable for large-scale production. It enables safe use in medical applications, food products, dentistry, and electronics.
A new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that zinc activates a key protein on T cells needed to fight infections. Zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of various illnesses, including childhood diarrhea and lower respiratory infections.
Research confirms the transfer of zinc, cadmium, and copper from water to fish tissues in Huelva estuary. The study found positive correlations between metal levels in water and fish tissues, highlighting the impact of pollution on commercially important species.
A systematic review of 128 studies found that dialysis patients have abnormal levels of cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and vanadium, but lower levels of selenium, zinc, and manganese. This imbalance may contribute to adverse clinical outcomes in these patients.
The study found that dephytinization significantly increased mineral cell uptake efficiency, retention, and transport efficiency of iron and zinc. Calcium bioavailability also showed a significant increase after phytate removal from most samples. This research provides valuable insights for infant nutrition and mineral absorption.
A randomized controlled trial found that zinc and copper supplementation was no more effective than placebo in treating acute diarrhea in children. The study's authors suggest that baseline serum zinc concentrations may not be a reliable measure of body zinc status, contributing to the lack of effect.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a high-performing photoconducting material using zinc oxide, offering environmentally benign chemistry, low-cost production, and high detectivity. The material's novel architecture enables efficient electron transport, comparable to amorphous silicon.
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed nanogenerators that convert irregular biomechanical energy into electricity, generating up to 0.5 nanoamps from a hamster's movement or finger tap.
New rodent findings show that dietary zinc supplements throughout pregnancy can reduce some alcohol-related birth defects. Zinc supplementation also increases the mother's blood zinc to prevent fetal zinc deficiency and subsequent fetal damage.
A team of University of Cincinnati researchers has found that zinc plays a crucial role in the formation of biofilms that cause hospital-acquired infections. By removing zinc from bacterial cells, they were able to prevent biofilm formation and growth, offering new hope for preventing these infections.
A new method for tracing zinc pollution in the atmosphere has been developed, which can identify the source of the pollution. This breakthrough could improve pollution monitoring and inform national and international strategies to reduce zinc pollution.
The new flexible charge pump generator can produce an oscillating output voltage of up to 45 millivolts, converting nearly seven percent of the mechanical energy applied into electricity. This advancement resolves key issues with previous generators, such as moisture infiltration and wear, enabling more robust designs.
A new report by scientists suggests that some of the most harmful air pollution in Mexico City originates from industrial sources, including garbage incineration. The study monitored air quality throughout the month of March 2006 and found metal-containing aerosols implicated in adverse health effects.
The research aims to understand the role of inorganic molecules, particularly zinc, in signaling events surrounding fertilization and early embryonic development. The team will use advanced microscopy and imaging technologies to track metal ion movement and develop new fluorescent sensors.
Researchers found that high zinc levels inhibit cell growth, upregulate growth arrest and DNA damage-induced gene (Gadd45) expression, and block cell cycle progression in normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Gadd45 plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability and apoptosis.
Researchers have detected significant amounts of copper in zinc oxide nanowires, a discovery that could help understand and manipulate the nanowires' optical and electrical properties. The study found that the copper increases visible light output but decreases ultraviolet emission.
Researchers develop fiber-based nanogenerators that harness energy from physical movement, generating up to 80 milliwatts of power per square meter of fabric. The devices use piezoelectric and semiconducting properties of zinc oxide nanostructures to convert mechanical motion into electrical energy.
A vitamin A and zinc supplement reduced malaria incidence by 34% in young children, according to a randomized double-blind trial. The supplementation also increased time to onset of malarial symptoms and reduced episode frequency.
A recent study published in The Prostate found that men with low zinc levels and high cadmium exposure had a 22% higher PSA level, indicating a higher risk of prostate cancer. Conversely, those with high zinc intake showed little evidence of an association between cadmium and PSA levels.
Researchers found that ZIP4, a zinc transporter, is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissue and promotes tumor growth. The study provides a potential diagnostic marker and candidate for cancer vaccine development.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that daily zinc intake can help reduce pneumonia risk in nursing home residents, especially those with low serum zinc concentrations. Participants with normal serum zinc levels had a 50% lower risk of developing pneumonia and reduced mortality rates by 39%.
A study published in The Lancet found that zinc supplementation did not have a significant impact on child mortality rates in Nepal. However, the researchers suggest that children with specific histories of illness or malnutrition may benefit from zinc supplementation. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers at NIST have discovered a highly sought-after type of atomic magnetic moment arrangement in antiferromagnets. The findings, published in Nature Materials, reveal evidence of a rare quantum paramagnetic spin state that weakly responds to external magnetic fields.
Researchers at George Mason University found that zinc deposits are hallmarks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition affecting millions of Americans. The study suggests that excessive zinc intake may contribute to AMD progression.
A new review of 14 placebo-controlled studies on zinc lozenges and colds found significant flaws in experimental design, casting doubt on the effectiveness of zinc as a treatment. The authors concluded that zinc lozenges have no therapeutic effect on symptom severity or duration of a cold.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed new pink dye-sensitized solar cells with half the efficiency of commercially available silicon-based solar cells, but at one quarter of the cost. The new materials use complex metals and novel particle shapes to boost electricity production.
Chemists from UCLA and the University of Florence have made progress in understanding ALS by identifying copper and zinc's lack as a factor in protein misfolding. This hypothesis could lead to treatment advancements, but further investigation is needed.
Scientists discovered bacteria in a flooded mine emit proteins that accumulate and trap metal nanoparticles, forming large aggregates that reduce mobility. This process may lead to new bioremediation strategies for toxic metals like arsenic and lead.
Researchers at the Ames Laboratory have discovered a new family of zinc compounds that can be tuned to exhibit physical properties similar to other materials. These compounds, which are over 85% zinc, display extraordinary tunability, allowing scientists to study magnetism and potentially create superconducting materials.
Researchers have developed a prototype nanogenerator that produces continuous direct-current electricity by harvesting mechanical energy from environmental sources. The device uses arrays of vertically-aligned zinc oxide nanowires to generate power, which could be used to power nanometer-scale devices such as biosensors and robots.
Scientists have developed a pair of molecular-scale scissors that can be manipulated by light, allowing for precise control over proteins and biological molecules. The technology has the potential to revolutionize gene manipulation and drug delivery, with practical applications still several years away.
Researchers found high levels of zinc in deposits in the eye associated with age-related macular degeneration. The discovery may facilitate the development of effective treatments for this leading cause of blindness among the elderly.
A clinical trial found that daily zinc supplements reduced the risk of death among children aged 12-48 months by 18%. However, no significant reduction was observed in mortality among children under 1 year old. The study suggests benefits for zinc supplementation beyond just reducing pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria cases.
The research team created field-effect transistors, diodes, sensors, and current-producing nanogenerators by bending zinc oxide nanowires and nanobelts. These devices take advantage of the relationship between mechanical and electronic coupled behavior in piezoelectric nanomaterials, enabling novel applications.
A study using DNA chips has identified four genes associated with type 2 diabetes, accounting for up to 70% of the genetic risk. The genes include TCF7L2, HHEX, EXT2, and SLC30A8, which play major roles in insulin production and pancreatic function.
Engineers at UC San Diego synthesized p-type zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoscale cylinders, which transport positive charges and could pave the way for an inexpensive new kind of light emitting diode (LED). The development of these semiconducting materials may lead to more efficient LEDs and a wider range of nanodevices.
Researchers successfully produce a molecular Solomon knot, consisting of two doubly intertwined rings, through careful selection of metal ions and solvents. The study showcases the potential for self-organization in systems with individual molecular components not chemically bound to each other.
Researchers have demonstrated a central role for zinc in modulating signaling among neurons, shedding light on its presence in free ion pools. The findings show that manipulating synaptic zinc levels can affect neuronal action, highlighting the complexity of potential therapeutic interventions.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a material that can operate at room temperature, allowing for the manipulation of electrons' magnetism. This breakthrough has the potential to create broad new capabilities for computers and digital devices, including reduced power consumption.
Researchers have designed a new type of luminescent sensor that selectively detects zinc in biomedical imaging. The sensor uses europium and can be applied to scanning techniques such as MRI and luminescence imaging, offering potential for improved imaging depth and non-toxic applications.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a technique to coat implants with zinc or titanium oxide nanosurfaces, significantly reducing bacterial growth and promoting bone growth. The new method has the potential to lead to safer, longer-lasting implants for millions of Americans undergoing joint replacements.
Researchers have developed nanogenerators that can convert mechanical energy into electricity, opening up possibilities for battery-free implants, sensors, and portable electronics. The devices use zinc oxide nanowires to produce current through the piezoelectric effect.
Researchers have created a biochemical metal detector to measure tiny amounts of zinc inside living cells. The technique can detect free zinc concentrations even in healthy cells, shedding light on zinc's role in health and disease.
A significant inverse association was observed for intake of vitamin E, iron, and zinc. An above-median intake of beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and zinc was associated with a reduced risk of AMD.
Researchers found that zinc supplementation is safe and effective in reducing the frequency of watery diarrhea in HIV-infected children. The study showed no increase in plasma HIV-1 viral load measurements, supporting the use of zinc as an adjunct therapy for children with HIV infection.
A study by William Moss and colleagues found that zinc supplementation did not increase blood HIV viral load but reduced diarrhoea in children with HIV-infection. The authors suggest using zinc as an adjunct therapy to reduce morbidity and mortality in resource-poor countries.
A University of Georgia research team is studying the effects of manufactured nanoparticles on microorganisms and small worms in soil. The study aims to understand the bioavailability and toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles, which may establish potential ecological and human health risks if released into the environment.
Researchers have created a new zinc oxide nanostructure resembling DNA's helical configuration, which could provide a building block for nanodevices. The 'nanohelix' structure is part of a family of nanobelts with semiconducting and piezoelectric properties.
A study found that weekly zinc supplements significantly reduced mortality rates among children under five years old, with a 85% decrease observed worldwide. Additionally, these supplements also showed promise in reducing pneumonia and diarrhea cases among infants younger than six months.
Researchers analyzed astrolabes from Lahore and found they contained 39-45 weight percent zinc, while European astrolabes had much lower zinc content. The co-melting technique allowed for more precise control over the alloy composition, enabling finer details and more accurate instruments.
Researchers found an enzyme in marine diatoms that uses cadmium, a scarce element in the ocean. This discovery has implications for understanding the global carbon cycle and climate change.
A study found that zinc supplementation improved reaction time, correct answers, and sustained attention in 7th-grade students. However, no significant improvement was seen in motor and social skills. The results suggest that increasing zinc intakes may benefit adolescent mental function, particularly memory.
Researchers investigated protein pattern reproducibility, DNA methylation for cervical cancer screening, and tissue zinc concentrations associated with reduced esophageal cancer risk. They found that some methods are not biologically plausible, while others may be useful diagnostic tools.
Researchers found that zinc supplements reversed precancerous conditions in the esophagus and tongue of zinc-deficient rats. The study suggests that zinc supplements may prevent the development of esophageal or oral cancers, which are associated with nutritional zinc deficiency.
Researchers at NIST have developed a method to grow well-formed, single-crystal zinc oxide nanowires with precise alignments using gold nanoparticles as anchors. The technique produces horizontal semiconductor wires only 3 nanometers in diameter, overcoming the challenge of working with atomic-scale components.
Researchers at Wright State University have discovered a way to convert zinc oxide, commonly used in baby powder, into a light-emitting source. This breakthrough has the potential to replace traditional lighting with a more efficient and cost-effective option, resulting in significant power savings of up to $12 billion per year.
Research findings suggest that a balanced diet prior to pregnancy can reduce the chance of spina bifida. Myo-inositol, zinc, and vitamin B12 supplements may also be beneficial in preventing the condition, although further research is needed to confirm this.