Home » copper » Page 2
Tag:

copper

World

Gold and Silver Prices Surge: Expert Forecasts Stronger Gains

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Gold and Silver surge to New Heights as Safe-Haven Demand Intensifies

September 3, ⁤2024 – Precious ​metals​ are experiencing ​a powerful rally, with gold reaching ⁤record​ highs and silver trading at levels not seen ‍in ​a decade. Driving⁣ this surge is robust investor demand for safe-haven assets amidst ⁤ongoing ‍global economic ​uncertainty, according⁢ to​ leading ​market ‍analyst Jonathan ‍Barratt, Chief Investment Officer ⁢at ETO group.

“Gold has definitively broken through a period of ‍consolidation,⁣ signaling​ further upward movement,” ⁤Barratt told ET Now. “Investor demand is overwhelmingly bullish – there’s a clear ⁤’buy’⁢ sentiment and virtually no one is betting against gold⁤ at this point.”

Gold’s Ascent Continues

Currently trading between $3,640⁤ and $3,670 per ounce, ‍gold is expected to find strong⁤ support around the $3,600 mark. While​ predicting precise targets ​at​ these record ​levels ⁢is challenging, Barratt believes ⁤the current‌ market⁢ momentum⁢ suggests continued gains are likely, even in the face of⁢ a strengthening US dollar.

Silver poised for Outperformance

While​ gold currently leads the⁢ charge,Barratt anticipates silver will ⁣deliver ‍more substantial percentage⁤ gains in the long run. ⁣He forecasts a‌ potential move towards $50⁣ per ounce – a price not‌ seen since 2011.⁢

“Silver’s potential is considerably underestimated,” Barratt ‍explained.”Demand from the⁣ electric ⁣vehicle sector, solar panel manufacturing, and China’s commitment to a⁤ green ​economy will be​ key drivers. ⁤ Moreover,⁢ potential reclassification of silver as ⁤a⁢ rare earth ⁢metal in the US ‌could tighten supply and further⁣ boost prices.”

**Copper Also

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

Mercury Hold Alyssa Thomas’ Impact: Phoenix Mercury Defeat Liberty

by Emma Walker – News Editor
written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Phoenix Mercury Shut ⁢Down New York Liberty, 82-69

PHOENIX – The Phoenix mercury stifled the New York Liberty with a dominant defensive performance, securing an 82-69 victory on August 30, 2025.⁢ The win‍ was fueled by a strong​ second-half surge and ⁣a rebounding advantage led by center ⁣Natasha Mack.

The‍ Liberty were⁤ forced to adjust their lineup early after Marine Johannescu was⁤ ruled ⁣out with a left toe injury.Phoenix countered with its⁤ own size advantage, featuring 6-foot-4⁣ Brittney Stewart, 6-foot-4 Emma Meesseman, and‍ 6-foot-6 Tina Charles.Initially, the Liberty’s ​bigger lineup proved effective,⁣ grabbing 14 defensive rebounds and outscoring the Mercury ‍in ‍the paint by six‍ points. ⁢However, the Mercury responded after halftime, capitalizing ⁣on turnovers and increased defensive pressure. Mack was pivotal in the turnaround,⁢ contributing 10 rebounds, eight points, and four blocks. The Mercury scored 18 points off the Liberty’s eight second-half turnovers, while ‍Mack alone secured two more‌ offensive rebounds than the​ entire ⁤Liberty team.

“I’m super excited for her and her‌ conditioning. She just impacts winning with her effort ‍on the glass,” Mercury head coach Nikki Tibbetts said of Mack.”She flies around, her teammates love her, you want good things to happen⁢ to⁣ good people, and she’s ​stayed with it and is figuring out how to play next to AT, which is⁤ awesome. Her activity ‍on ⁣the ‍glass was big time.”

The​ Mercury also limited the Liberty’s opportunities at the free throw line, holding them to ‍just 11 attempts after New York had averaged 24 in their previous three games.

Phoenix⁢ utilized an eight-player rotation,with⁣ DeWanna bonner,Kathryn Westbeld,and Sami Whitcomb coming off the bench. Westbeld provided a crucial spark in⁤ the fourth quarter,hitting a key ⁤3-pointer to maintain the Mercury’s momentum.

“For her to come in ⁢with that⁢ kind ‍of confidence and take that⁤ shot, we believed in Kat,” Bonner said. ​”She‌ was doing this before I got hear in the​ beginning of the‍ season, and she’s continuing to hit big buckets ⁤and battle with (centers).⁤ You put her on a 5-player and she does a‍ great job down there.Shout out to Kat, and it’s not easy coming off the bench and being ready, but⁤ she did a⁤ great job ⁣tonight.”

The Mercury (record‍ unavailable) will conclude their homestand against ⁣the Indiana Fever on ‍September 2 at 7 p.m. MST. The Fever are currently battling for a playoff‌ spot despite facing injury challenges within their guard rotation.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Health

ATOX1 in HCC: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Actionable Insights into Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Targeting ATOX1 for Improved Outcomes

Table of Contents

A⁤ new study published in the Journal of ‍Clinical ‌and Translational Hepatology has pinpointed Antioxidant-1 (ATOX1) as a critical factor ​in the ‍growth and progression⁢ of hepatocellular⁤ carcinoma (HCC), the moast common‍ form of primary liver cancer.⁢ This ⁣discovery offers a strategic pathway for ⁢developing novel therapies‍ to combat this deadly disease, which currently represents a leading cause of⁤ cancer-related deaths globally [[1]].

Understanding Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma typically arises in individuals​ with chronic ⁢liver conditions, such as cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B or‍ C infections. The disease often presents late, making early detection and effective treatment challenging. According to the Mayo Clinic, HCC begins in⁣ the liver’s ⁣hepatocytes [[2]].⁢ The search for⁢ more ‌effective‍ treatments remains a high priority for medical researchers worldwide.

The Role⁣ of ATOX1 in HCC Development

Researchers⁤ investigated the function of ATOX1, a protein⁢ previously linked to⁢ oncogenic processes in other cancers, to determine its specific role in HCC.⁢ Their findings revealed substantially elevated ATOX1 expression in HCC tumor tissues. This increased expression directly correlated with enhanced cell proliferation, colony formation, and‍ migration – hallmarks of aggressive cancer behavior.

In vivo studies using xenograft ⁣mouse models demonstrated that reducing⁢ ATOX1 levels suppressed tumor growth. ‌ This suggests⁢ that ATOX1 is not merely a ‍bystander but an active promoter of HCC progression.

Did You Know? ⁣…

⁤HCC‍ is often diagnosed at⁤ a late stage, making it the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide.

Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms

The study illuminated the underlying mechanisms by which ATOX1 exerts its ‍influence. Researchers discovered that ATOX1 activates c-Myb, a key transcription factor, subsequently enhancing the malignant phenotype of ‍HCC cells through the activation of the PI3K/AKT⁢ signaling‍ pathway. This pathway is⁣ frequently dysregulated in various cancers and plays​ a crucial role in cell growth,survival,and metabolism.

Moreover, ATOX1 was found to reduce intracellular copper accumulation and inhibit the production of reactive oxygen ⁣species (ROS) and subsequent apoptosis (programmed cell death). By‌ modulating thes cellular processes, ATOX1⁢ creates a favorable environment for tumor‍ growth and survival.

DCAC50: A Potential Therapeutic Intervention

The compound​ DCAC50, known to inhibit​ the copper transport function of ​ATOX1, demonstrated promising results ‍in laboratory settings.‍ Treatment with DCAC50 decreased cell proliferation while together increasing ROS levels and inducing apoptosis in HCC cells. Interestingly, the effects of ATOX1 knockdown were reversed by acetylcysteine, further solidifying the link between ATOX1, c-Myb, ‍and HCC ‍progression.

Pro Tip:

Understanding the specific molecular pathways involved in HCC development ⁣is ⁣crucial for designing targeted therapies.

Key Findings Summarized

Finding Significance
Elevated ATOX1 expression Correlates with increased HCC ‍malignancy
ATOX1 activates c-Myb/PI3K/AKT pathway Promotes cell growth, ‍survival, and metabolism
ATOX1 reduces copper⁤ accumulation & ROS inhibits apoptosis and supports tumor survival
DCAC50 ‍inhibits ATOX1​ function Suppresses HCC cell proliferation and induces apoptosis

implications for Future Treatment Strategies

These findings ⁤strongly suggest that ATOX1​ represents a viable therapeutic target for HCC. ​The study ⁤highlights the potential of DCAC50, either alone or in combination with PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitors, as a promising treatment strategy. Further research is warranted to evaluate the efficacy and ‌safety of these approaches in clinical trials.

What are the biggest hurdles to translating⁣ these lab findings into effective patient care? And how can we accelerate the development of targeted therapies⁣ for HCC?

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Growing Global Health ​Concern

The‍ incidence of HCC is ⁢rising globally,particularly in regions with high rates of chronic hepatitis B and C infections. Factors such as alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic‍ fatty⁢ liver⁤ disease, and aflatoxin exposure ‌also contribute to the⁣ development of HCC. Early detection through regular screening and advancements in treatment modalities are ‍crucial for‌ improving patient outcomes. Ongoing research focuses on immunotherapy,targeted therapies,and liver transplantation as potential treatment⁤ options.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hepatocellular Carcinoma and ATOX1

  • What is hepatocellular carcinoma? HCC is the most common type of primary liver cancer, often developing in individuals with chronic liver disease.
  • What role ‌dose ⁤ATOX1 play in HCC? ATOX1 promotes HCC development by activating key signaling pathways‍ and inhibiting cellular⁣ processes that normally suppress tumor growth.
  • Is‍ DCAC50 a potential treatment for HCC? DCAC50 shows promise in preclinical studies ⁤by inhibiting ⁢ATOX1 function and suppressing⁢ HCC cell proliferation.
  • What are the current treatment ⁢options ⁤for ‌HCC? Current⁣ treatments‍ include ‍surgery, liver‌ transplantation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and​ targeted therapies.
  • How can I reduce my risk of developing HCC? Managing ⁣chronic liver conditions,⁢ avoiding excessive⁣ alcohol ⁢consumption, and maintaining ⁣a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your ⁣risk.

This research offers a beacon of‍ hope in the fight against‌ hepatocellular carcinoma. We encourage ‍you to⁤ share this information with your network and join the conversation ⁣about advancing‌ cancer‍ research. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on groundbreaking medical discoveries.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Health

Balancing copper antimicrobials to combat antibiotic resistance

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Copper Fuels Dual-Edged Resistance: A New Threat Emerges

Study Reveals How Copper’s Antimicrobial Power Can Foster Antibiotic-Proof Bacteria

While copper has long been a trusted agent against microbial threats, new research from UCLA highlights a critical downside: its overuse can inadvertently cultivate bacteria resistant not only to copper but also to vital antibiotics.

The Copper-Antibiotic Link

Scientists at UCLA have uncovered a concerning connection between the widespread application of copper-based antimicrobials and the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Their findings, published in *Evolution, Medicine and Public Health*, indicate that environments heavily exposed to copper, such as agricultural settings utilizing copper sulfate for pest control, can exert evolutionary pressure on bacteria.

This pressure can lead to the development of resistance mechanisms in bacteria that simultaneously confer immunity to antibiotics.

“We found that bacteria that evolve resistance to copper also become resistant to antibiotics, possibly because they are using biological pathways that help them resist copper to also resist antibiotics.”

—Sada Boyd-Vorsah, first author and UCLA postdoctoral researcher

Antibiotic resistance, a growing global health crisis, arises when bacteria evolve traits that enable them to survive treatments designed to kill them. This natural selection process means that any substance posing a threat to microbial life, including metals like copper, can inadvertently drive this dangerous evolution.

Unpacking the Research Methodology

The research team exposed populations of *E. coli* bacteria to copper sulfate in laboratory settings. After several generations, the surviving bacteria demonstrated significant resistance to copper. Subsequent testing revealed these copper-hardened microbes also exhibited heightened resistance to various common antibiotics.

Genetic analysis identified 477 mutations in the copper-resistant bacteria. While some mutations directly targeted metal resistance, others affected pathways that bacteria utilize to cope with diverse environmental stressors, reinforcing the idea that resistance to one agent can spill over to others.

A striking discovery was the rapid decline in resistance. After just seven days without copper exposure, bacterial resistance levels dropped significantly, though variability between different bacterial populations was observed.

Strategic Use for a Sustainable Solution

The implications of this research are significant for public health and agriculture. While copper remains a potent antimicrobial, its application requires careful consideration to avoid exacerbating the antibiotic resistance crisis. Alternating copper-based treatments with other antimicrobial strategies may offer a way to leverage copper’s benefits without promoting widespread resistance.

Pamela Yeh, a UCLA professor and corresponding author, emphasized the potential for this phenomenon to be widespread.

“I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t expect that this is probably a generalizable pattern that could be found across many, maybe even all, species of bacteria because the mechanisms that confer resistance are probably evolutionarily very ancient.”

—Pamela Yeh, UCLA professor of ecology and evolutionary biology

Globally, antimicrobial resistance is estimated to cause approximately 1.27 million deaths annually, with projections suggesting it could rise to 10 million deaths per year by 2050 if current trends continue (World Health Organization, 2023).

The findings suggest that a nuanced approach to antimicrobial use, carefully balancing the benefits of agents like copper with strategies to prevent resistance, is crucial for safeguarding human and animal health.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Health

Scientists link brain lithium loss to early Alzheimer’s changes

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Brain Lithium Drop Fuels Alzheimer’s Onset

New Study Links Deficiency to Early Disease Progression, Offers Hope for Treatment

A groundbreaking study reveals that dwindling lithium levels in the brain may be an early trigger for Alzheimer’s disease, accelerating its progression. Research in mice suggests that replenishing these levels, particularly with low-dose lithium orotate, could shield against memory loss and brain damage.

Unveiling Lithium’s Crucial Role

Scientists have discovered that naturally occurring lithium in the brain plays a vital protective role against cognitive decline. The research indicates that a reduction in this internal lithium supply contributes to the initial pathological changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease. Conversely, restoring these levels in animal models showed promise in preventing brain damage and memory impairments, highlighting a potential preventative and therapeutic avenue.

Lithium Levels Decline in Alzheimer’s Brains

The investigation analyzed lithium concentrations in human brain and blood samples from individuals with varying cognitive statuses. Employing highly sensitive mass spectrometry, researchers measured lithium levels in brain regions such as the cortex and cerebellum, as well as in blood serum. They observed significantly lower lithium concentrations in the brains of individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease compared to those with no cognitive issues.

Scientists link brain lithium loss to early Alzheimer’s changes

This depletion was specifically noted in the prefrontal cortex, an area profoundly impacted by Alzheimer’s. Intriguingly, lithium was found to be highly concentrated within amyloid-β plaques, suggesting these plaques may sequester the mineral, thereby reducing its availability in surrounding brain tissue.

Mouse Models Show Promising Results

Experiments involving mouse models explored the impact of lithium deficiency and supplementation. Mice fed a diet severely lacking in lithium exhibited reduced brain lithium levels, a pattern amplified in strains predisposed to Alzheimer’s. These mice showed increased amyloid-β buildup, tau pathology, synapse and myelin loss, and neuroinflammation, alongside cognitive deficits.

In contrast, lithium supplementation, particularly through lithium orotate, successfully restored brain lithium levels and mitigated many Alzheimer’s-related changes, including plaque formation and inflammation. The study indicated that lithium orotate was more effective than lithium carbonate at enhancing lithium in non-plaque brain tissue, and importantly, showed no toxicity at the low doses administered. This is a significant finding, as standard lithium therapies can have toxicity concerns.

Mechanism and Future Directions

The research suggests that lithium deficiency activates the enzyme GSK3β, which in turn promotes neurodegeneration. This effect was reversed in mice treated with GSK3β inhibitors. The findings imply that early neurodegenerative changes might be driven by lithium deficiency, positioning it as a key target for Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment.

The study’s authors propose that past human trials may have been hampered by issues with lithium formulations, such as high amyloid binding with certain salts. Restoring physiological lithium levels, especially with the more brain-accessible lithium orotate, presents a promising strategy to combat cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s pathology.

Globally, over 55 million people are living with dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause, projected to rise as populations age (World Health Organization, 2023). This research offers a vital new perspective on understanding and potentially intervening in the early stages of this devastating disease.

Journal reference: Aron, L., Ngian, Z.K., Qiu, C., Choi, J., Liang, M., Drake, D.M., Hamplova, S.E., Lacey, E.K., Roche, P., Yuan, M., Hazaveh, S.S., Lee, E.A., Bennett, D.A., Yankner, B.A. Nature (2025). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09335-x

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
World

Xi and Albanese enlist panda diplomacy, war games unfold and the Trump spectacle dominates everything

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Tensions Rise: Military Drills and Trade Wars Intensify

As **Anthony Albanese** navigates a complex visit to China, a massive military exercise unfolds off Australia’s coast, and a trade war simmers beneath the surface, signaling a world order in flux.

Massive Military Exercise Underway

Yachts have been cautioned to avoid Shoalwater Bay in Queensland as Exercise Talisman Sabre kicks off. This year’s iteration involves 30,000 personnel from 19 nations, creating a large exclusion zone off the coast from Yeppoon to the Percy Island group.

Adding to the tension, the U.S. Army plans to test its Typhon missile system in Australia during the exercise. According to Major General **Frank Lozano**, this marks the first firing of the long-range strike weapon on foreign soil. The Typhon, with a range of 500 to 2,000 kilometers, is seen as vital to the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.

**Albanese**’s China Visit Amidst Geopolitical Chess Moves

**Albanese**’s six-day visit to China occurs amidst these strategic maneuvers. While talks of tennis competitions and pandas evoke a friendlier era, the backdrop is one of increasing military and economic competition.

Meanwhile, Taiwan has launched its largest-ever military drills, simulating defenses against a potential Chinese invasion. These drills involved approximately 22,000 troops and new rocket systems.

**Trump**’s Tariffs Reshape Global Trade

Though dominated by the spectacle of the **Trump** administration, trade-related developments reveal deeper strategic shifts. New tariffs are targeting countries with close economic ties to China, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. Even tougher tariffs are being imposed on goods the U.S. suspects China is rerouting through third countries.

Furthermore, new tariffs on copper, a critical material for high-tech and renewable energy industries, are raising eyebrows. China is the world’s leading refiner of copper.

Billionaire mining entrepreneur **Robert Friedland** supports these tariffs. He told the Financial Times that domestic copper production is “fundamental to America’s national security.”

Notably, the Pentagon is making a $400 million direct investment in a rare earths producer in Southern California, as the U.S. strives to catch up in the rare earths and critical minerals race.

Australia Navigates a Changing World

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been consumed with the implications of revised U.S. tariff rates, as reported by the Straits Times. Australia has also begun shifting its language regarding its relationship with the United States.

**Albanese** has emphasized that Australia’s foreign policy should be anchored in strategic reality, not bound by tradition. “Dealing with the world as it is, not as we would like it to be,” he stated.

**Albanese** added, “Curtin’s famous statement that Australia ‘looked to America’ was much more than the idea of trading one strategic guarantor for another. Or swapping an alliance with the old world for one with the new…It was a recognition that Australia’s fate would be decided in our region.”

AUKUS Review Looms

China seeks to incorporate artificial intelligence in a renewed free trade deal and loosen foreign investment rules. Conversely, the Australian government wants to end the Chinese lease on the Port of Darwin. **Albanese** has publicly rejected the Chinese ambitions on these two points.

The impending 30-day review of the AUKUS deal by the United States adds another layer of uncertainty. Some analysts suggest that a mischievous U.S. administration might release the findings during **Albanese**’s visit to China.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts
@2025 - All Right Reserved.

Hosted by Byohosting – Most Recommended Web Hosting – for complains, abuse, advertising contact: contact@world-today-news.com