Significant magnetite, in the form of dyke-like lodes (Cockfield. 1948). occurs in close spatial relationship to copper deposits such as the Afton mine. The genetic relationship of these massive magnetite lodes to the copper deposits of the Iron Mask is unknown, as i s the origin of the magnetite deposits. However, the proximity of these deposits to magnetite-rich intrusive units of the Iron Ma...

Background and Introduction: The question of the origin of nanophase magnetite in Martian meteorite ALH84001 has been widely debated for nearly a decade. Golden et al. [1] have reported producing nearly chemically pure magnetite from thermal decomposition of chemically impure siderite [(Fe, Mg, Mn)CO3]. This claim is significant for three reasons: first, it has been argued that chemically pure ...

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) and SiO2-coated Fe3O4 have successfully been synthesized using co-precipitation modified Stöber methods, respectively. The samples were characterized X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques, absorption spectroscopy (XAS),...

Fluoride pollution in waters has engulfed worldwide regions and an excess of fluoride intake always causes skeletal fluorosis. Herein, a novel hybrid nanomaterial ZrP-MPN was fabricated for fluoride retention by encapsulating nano-ZrP onto macroporous polystyrene materials modified with quaternary ammonium groups. The as-obtained materials exhibited favorable removal of fluoride ions from aqueo...

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are unique in their ability to synthesize intracellular nano-sized minerals of magnetite and/or greigite magnetosomes for magnetic orientation. Thus, they provide an excellent model system to investigate mechanisms of biomineralization. MTB play important roles in bulk sedimentary magnetism and have numerous versatile applications in paleoenvironmental reconstructio...

Hetero-dimeric magnetic nanoparticles of the type Au-Fe3O4 have been synthesised from separately prepared, differently shaped (spheres and cubes), monodisperse nanoparticles. This synthesis was achieved by the following steps: (a) Mono-functionalising each type of nanoparticles with aldehyde functional groups through a solid support approach, where nanoparticle decorated silica nanoparticles we...

Magnetosomes are specialized organelles for magnetic navigation that comprise membrane-enveloped, nano-sized crystals of a magnetic iron mineral; they are formed by a diverse group of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB). The synthesis of magnetosomes involves strict genetic control over intracellular differentiation, biomineralization, and their assembly into highly ordered chains. Physicochemical con...

The plasmodium of Physarum polycephalum is a large single cell visible with the naked eye. When inoculated on a substrate with attractants and repellents the plasmodium develops optimal networks of protoplasmic tubes which span sites of attractants (i.e. nutrients) yet avoid domains with a high nutrient concentration. It should therefore be possible to program the plasmodium towards determinist...

The fluorescent emission of the thermolyzed Pseudomonas aeruginosa suspensions was measured in order to get a quantitative indicator upon the pyoverdine synthesis – as molecular basis of iron acquisition system of the bacterial cells. The influence of iron ions on the dynamics of pyoverdine was studied by supplying nano-sized iron oxide suspensions in the bacteria culture medium. The stimulator...