All articles tagged with #iron
New findings show iron released from melting West Antarctic ice is chemically altered and not usable by marine algae, potentially reducing the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. If ice loss continues, less algae could form, diminishing carbon uptake and possibly accelerating warming and sea-level rise.
Archaeologists studying 2,000-year-old skulls from Vietnam’s Dong Xa Iron Age site found iron oxide and sulfur in tooth enamel, indicating ancient people dyed their teeth black with an iron–tannin paste—likely using tannins from betel nut. The practice, dating to the Iron Age, was a cosmetic trend that persisted in parts of Southeast Asia and would have required days to weeks of application with periodic touch-ups.
Experts say a single steak around your period won’t quickly replenish iron lost to menstruation—iron absorption is partial and stores reflect weeks of intake, not a single meal. Cramps are mainly driven by prostaglandins and other factors, so an iron boost from one steak is unlikely to stop pain. While higher protein can support energy and overall well-being during periods, it isn’t a cramp cure; the key is consistently meeting iron and protein needs over time, not front-loading one meal.
Dr. Amir Khan outlines a practical timetable to maximize supplement absorption: take iron first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a splash of vitamin C (avoid taking it with tea, coffee, or magnesium); after breakfast, take fat‑soluble nutrients like vitamin D and omega‑3 with a meal; magnesium is best in the evening; creatine can be taken at any time; if you’re taking omega‑3 or a multivitamin, take them with food, and consult a doctor with any questions about your regimen.
NASA’s Hubble reobserved interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS during its close solar approach, allowing scientists to track nickel and iron emissions before and after perihelion with unprecedented precision. The study found the observed outer layers are sun-baked crust rather than pristine material, complicating direct measurements of its original metallicity, but SPHEREx data showing dust, water, and organics in the coma, along with the metal measurements, provide valuable insights into how heavy elements behave in other star systems and what this implies about planet formation.
Dietitians say timing matters for vitamins. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach but can cause nausea, so take it with a snack away from coffee/tea and calcium-rich foods, ideally with fruit or orange juice to boost absorption. Magnesium can promote sleep, so evening or before-bed dosing is often best. Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K require dietary fat for optimal absorption and are typically better taken with a main meal (Lunch or Dinner). In short, pair each vitamin with the right timing and meal to maximize absorption and minimize side effects.
New research in Nature Geoscience shows that past West Antarctica ice retreat delivered iron to the Southern Ocean, but much of that iron was weathered and poorly soluble, so algae growth did not surge as expected; the study suggests continued WAIS thinning could reduce the ocean's CO2 uptake in the Pacific sector, revealing that the iron's chemical form, not just its amount, governs carbon drawdown.
Astronomers using the WEAVE instrument on the William Herschel Telescope have found a giant, straight bar of ionized iron at the center of the Ring Nebula, a first for a nebula. The iron bar is unusually massive and not explained by a jet from the white dwarf or by iron release from dust; its 3D shape could extend beyond our line of sight, and a torn-apart planet origin is unlikely. More observations of other nebulae are needed to uncover the iron's origin.
Astronomers using the WEAVE instrument have detected a large, bar-shaped cloud of ionized iron inside the Ring Nebula, about 2,283 light-years away and roughly 500 times wider than Pluto's orbit. Origin remains unclear, with theories ranging from formation during the nebula's birth to iron left behind by a destroyed planet. If confirmed, it could offer a glimpse of how the Sun's expansion may engulf Earth in the future. Further observations are planned to determine the bar's nature and origin.
Scientists have detected a colossal iron ‘bar’ in the Ring Nebula—likely the remains of a rocky planet vaporised as its star expanded—using the Weave instrument on the William Herschel Telescope, a finding that hints at a distant future for Earth as the Sun swells and the inner planets are consumed.
A Stanford-led team has discovered a way to push iron into a higher-energy state, enabling the development of more powerful and cheaper lithium-ion batteries, potentially revolutionizing energy storage technology and other electronic applications.
Experts recommend specific timing and combinations for supplements like iron, Omega-3, vitamin D, and others to maximize absorption and minimize side effects, such as taking iron every other day, storing Omega-3 in the fridge, pairing vitamin D with K2, and avoiding certain combinations like zinc with calcium or iron.
Experts warn against taking calcium and magnesium supplements together due to absorption competition, and also advise avoiding simultaneous intake of iron and zinc, recommending spacing them out and consulting a doctor for optimal timing and dosage to maximize benefits and avoid inefficiency.
Women over 30 are at increased risk of deficiencies in key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, calcium, and B12 due to hormonal changes and lifestyle factors, which can lead to fatigue, bone loss, and heart risks. Addressing these deficiencies through diet and supplements is crucial for maintaining health and preventing long-term issues.
A study from Kobe University found that metformin users have lower blood levels of copper and iron and higher zinc levels, suggesting that the drug's ability to bind metals may contribute to its wide-ranging benefits beyond blood sugar control, including anti-inflammatory and protective effects against complications in type 2 diabetes.