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A very Happy New Year 2013 to all of our readers!!
Thanks for your support till now.. please continue it, and follow and +1 our blogs to keep us going!!
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Targeted drug treatment for malaria with NanoMal's handheld blood analyzer
Anopheles mosquito after taking a snack (Photo: US Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
NanoMal, a small UK based company is developing a hand held device which will detect malaria , along with checking DNA markers that suggest which antimalarial drug would be most effective. If fielded, such a device could help alleviate the 200+ million cases of malaria per year, as well as prevent some of the nearly one million deaths associated with malarial illness. Malaria, a protozal disease, with Anopheles mosquito as its vector, is 5th most likely cause of death in developing nations.
Map of the world showing the primary range of malaria infestation with dark red regions indicating drug resistant malaria, lighter red regions resistance to older drugs, yellow regions showing no drug resistance, and grey regions being malaria-free (Photo: Percheire via Wikipedia)
This project, funded by EU, involves researchers from St. George's University, the University of London, the Newcastle-based QuantuMDx Group, the University of Tuebingen, and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, and are developing way to make the device perform a full screening panel, including identification of which of the five parasitic species is involved and what levels of drug
resistance should be expected.
Mock-up of the NanoMal blood analysis unit (Photo: Nanomal)
It is projected to perform the test in aroud 20 minutes, and costs would be of levels of a smartphone. What's great is that this device will be adaptable for other disease diagnosis as well
The malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum parasites in human blood cells (Photo: US Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
There is currently no approved malaria vaccine, although several experimental versions are currently in clinical trials. While several classes of antimalarial drugs exist, in the wild the malarial parasite is quickly developing resistance to their effects, including artemisinins, the most powerful class of anti-malarial drugs. As a result, combination therapies are increasingly being used to slow the process whereby malarial parasites gain resistance to a particular drug.
Ongoing research has established that certain combinations of genes in the parasite's DNA are associated with various types of drug resistance. The Nanomal unit will sample the DNA from a drop of blood with a MEMS-like apparatus then opening the cell walls of the blood cells and of the malarial parasites found within. The malarial DNA is selectively grown using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification, until enough material is available for analysis. The small scale of the reaction vessels on the chip allows sufficient analysis material to be grown in minutes rather than the hours required by table-top reactors.
The PCR material is then processed by a microscopic gene sequencer that is built to search for two things – genes identifying the parasite's species, and gene sequences corresponding to drug resistance. This is accomplished by unraveling the DNA into long straight sections that are passed through channels in proximity to nanowires.
These nanowires are treated along their length with regions of molecular probes which encode the DNA sequences being searched for. When they appear, the DNA adheres to the nanowires, driving an electrical signal that identifies the gene sequence that has been found. The Nanomal unit contains a large number of such nanowires, resulting in a gene sequencer that can perform a relatively thorough analysis that points away from the parasite's strengths, and toward an effective treatment regimen.
According to Elaine Warburton, CEO of QuantuMDx, "placing a full malaria screen with drug resistance status in the palm of a health professional's hand will allow instant prescribing of the most effective anti-malaria medication for that patient. Nanomal's rapid, low-cost test will further support the global health challenge to eradicate malaria."
To be effective in the poorer nations suffering from malarial epidemics, the cost of a diagnostic and treatment analysis must be affordable. A single-test diagnostic cartridge is currently expected to cost about US$18, although plans are underway to provide the units through donations where necessary. Clinical trials of the device should begin within three years.
Source: NanoMal via FierceMobileHealthCare.com , Gizmag
Review: Nikon D600
The Nikon D600 was the first full frame DSLR aimed squarely at the enthusiast market, though it was admittedly quickly followed by the Canon 6D. It packs a large sensor into a compact body and comes in at a considerably cheaper price than previous full frame cameras. But is the D600 the right first step into the full frame world for current crop sensor shooters? I recently had the opportunity to spend a bit of quality time with one to find out.
While Nikon would like to think that the US$2,000 price point and full frame sensor of the D600 put it in a category of its own, there are plenty of cameras that it can (and will) be compared to. Is it a stripped down D800, is it a D7000 on steroids, or is it the true successor to the D700? And that's before you compare it to Canon's enthusiast full frame offering, the 6D.
For me, being a D800 owner, I was particularly curious about the D600 and how it compared to its sibling. I wanted to know if the smaller camera lost out in ergonomics what it gained in portability, and whether the cheaper construction made it feel amateur. I was also intrigued to see if 24.3 MP was a more practical resolution than the 36.3 MP D800 … and whether I should have waited for it to be released before buying the megapixel monster.
- 24.3 megapixel
- Full frame sensor
- 39 point AF
- 5.5 fps continuous shooting
- ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 25600)
- Full HD video (1080p at 30/25/24p)
- 100% coverage viewfinder (in FX)
- Magnesium alloy top and rear
- Weather-sealed
Design and Construction
My first thought when picking up the D600 was that I couldn't believe Nikon had managed to fit a full frame sensor into this thing. Coming from using a D3 and D800, it feels positively small in the hand, much more similar to the DX format D7000. That's not necessarily a bad thing, the D600 is targeted at enthusiasts who want to carry their camera around with them, rather than professionals who are paid to carry theirs.
Weight-wise, the D600 again feels more comparable to APS-C cameras than the majority of full frame shooters. Because it features a magnesium alloy top and rear, rather than a full chassis, it's not too hefty at 760 g. But it is sufficiently sturdy; even the polycarbonate parts feel pleasantly solid and not like those on some lower-end DSLRs. You're not going to want to hammer nails in with it, but I had no worries about it being able to handle anything I could throw at it during normal use.
Because the D600 is weather-sealed to the same degree as professional cameras like the D800, you don't need to worry about using it in all but the most extreme weather conditions.
As with other Nikon DSLRs, the D600 features a built-in flash, which while not the most powerful or versatile (it's no substitute for a separate flash unit), can come in handy for a bit of fill flash. It can also be used as a master to control wirelessly slaved flashes.
Moving attention to the side of the camera, the D600 boasts dual SD memory card slots. This feels particularly luxurious if coming from a camera with just one, because you can instantly back-up photos as you take them, use one for stills and the other for video, or just combine the storage potential. I was also pleased to see the use of metal hinges on the doors, rather than the cheap feeling plastic ones used on some Nikons. Little things do make a difference.
The eagle-eyed out there may have also noticed the lack of a PC sync port on front of the D600. While some have criticized Nikon for this, it's not a feature that too many people, in reality, will ever miss. I can't remember the last time I used my PC sync port.
Handling and Controls
Anyone who shot 35 mm film before moving to a crop sensor DSLR will instantly feel like they've been reunited with an old friend when looking through the bright 100 percent viewfinder of the D600. Your 50 mm lens is suddenly back to being 50 mm, 24 mm feels wide again and everything just seems right.
As with the D7000, Nikon have done an admirable job of laying out the D600 to provide easy access to manual controls despite it being a smaller body. On the top left of the camera sit two stacked dials, one for controlling exposure mode on top of the release mode dial.
I very much liked the U1 and U2 user options on the exposure mode dial as a great way of slipping between regularly used settings. I'd even go as far as to say that for day-to-day usage I prefer this to the more complex (and admittedly more sophisticated) way this is dealt with on Nikons pro bodies.
On the whole, button layout feels intuitive and Nikon has not tried anything too radical. Of note there's the same Liveview toggle and button as other recent DSLRs, and the AF-mode button which is positioned on the front of the camera also feels a step up from some previous incarnations.
Personally, I didn't like that there was no separate dedicated AF-On button on the rear, or the fact that the ISO button is on the back not the top. I felt I had to move the camera away from my eye to make ISO changes. But these are really rather minor niggles and things you would probably get used to with more constant use. I also found the battery life of the D600 to be very impressive. Even after a full day shooting the camera was ready to go.
Autofocus
On paper the autofocus of the D600 is a step down from the D800; it uses a Multi-CAM 4800 autofocus sensor module compared to the Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX. However, you don't need to worry that it's a slouch when it come to nailing focus. Sure, it's not quite as quick as its bigger brother, but I found it to be as reliable, if not more so. Sometimes I find the D800 can occasionally miss focus, but this was not a problem with the D600.
However, there is one glaring negative with the autofocus on the D600, the spread of its points … or rather the lack of spread. All 39 autofocus points (nine of which are cross type) are positioned in the the center of the sensor. This can feel strangely limiting if you are used to your AF points covering a larger area.
That said, autofocus was good in lower light conditions and even in AF-C (continuous autofocus) I found that focus was held well, especially if the subject was moving towards the camera rather than across it.
When shooting in burst mode, I'm glad to say the D600 feels sufficiently quick. While 5.5fps isn't going to make the ideal sports camera, it will probably be more than you need most of the time. However, the buffer does fill up quickly and I frequently found myself waiting for the camera to catch up so that I could review images. This was especially noticeable when shooting RAW + JPEG. The buffer is considerably better if shooting in the 10.3MP DX mode, though frame-rate stays the same.
Image Quality
The D600 is capable of producing quite simply amazing quality images. The 24.3 megapixel sensor gives you plenty of resolution, and there's something about the full frame format which just feels right.
While it's easy to think that it has an inferior pixel-count to the D800, it's worth remembering that it's still more than the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. Many would argue this is about the sweet-spot in terms of resolution on a FX camera. It also means editing isn't too demanding on your computer.
JPEGs produced in-camera are up there with some of the nicest I have seen, with a more natural look than some which feel over-processed; colors feel accurate and skin tones appear natural. But it's when shooting in RAW that the D600 really shines. These images can withstand a significant amount of editing such as pulling highlights or shadows, which is a testament to the dynamic range of the camera.
Low light performance and high ISO are areas that full frame cameras have traditionally outperformed their crop sensor counterparts, because they have a bigger sensor they are able to use more light. With a native ISO range of 100-6400 the D600 certainly performs well here too.
The below test shows the noise levels at higher native ISO levels. The cropped areas are taken at 100 percent. So while noise is noticeable from 1600, you would only see this in the real world if you printed images very large, cropped-in heavily, or are a pixel-peeper. I found I could happily dial the ISO to around the 3200 mark without worrying at all about noise levels.
Kit lens
The zoom range of the 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S VR
Kit lenses can offer great value when buying a new DSLR. Indeed, if bought with the D600 the 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S VR only costs a fraction of what it would alone. But you probably wouldn't buy it on its own. While it's perfectly good for video, it covers a nice range and has Vibration Reduction, it simply doesn't feel worthy of being used on the D600 for stills.
My first experience of the D600 was with this lens mounted and I have to say I was disappointed. It was only when I took it off and used a 50mm 1.8 that I realized it was the lens and not the camera I was disappointed with. If you are thinking about getting a D600, please don't let this be your only lens.
Even at the wide end of the zoom range the f3.5 feels slow for use on a full frame DSLR where you might want to be making the most of that light gathering potential and shallow depth of field. And by the time you get the 85 mm and f4.5 it feels positively glacial.
Video
As a disclaimer, I don't generally shoot much video with my DSLRs. However, I was very pleased with the quality of the test shots I made with the D600. Colors were good and footage was nicely detailed. The built-in stereo microphone also did a great job, though if you're serious about your video, you'll no doubt be using an external microphone.
Videographers will no doubt be pleased to know that there is both an input for an external microphone and a headphone out for monitoring sound while filming. There is also the option for clean HDMI-out. However, something they probably won't like as much is the lack of ability to control aperture while in Liveview.
Additional features
The D600 comes with a built-in image-editing menu which allows you to perform a number of retouching functions. While you're always going to get better results by performing your editing and processing on a computer, in-camera options include effects such as monochrome conversion, fisheye, color sketch, miniature effect (above) and selective color (below).
A scene mode can be selected on the exposure dial to make the D600 even more beginner-friendly. When used, the camera will automatically choose the most appropriate settings with scene modes including Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up and Pet portrait among others. The inclusion of this suggests Nikon thinks that the D600 isn't just going to sell to enthusiasts, but also beginners who need a bit of photographic help.
Conclusion
Many photographers who've spent the last few years shooting with crop frame DSLRs are beginning to feel the pull of full frame. Prices are coming down as manufacturers target the consumer and enthusiast market. But if you're in the market for a full frame DSLR, should you consider the Nikon D600?
Well, unless you already know you need something considerably more powerful like the Nikon D4, the answer is a resounding yes. The D600 is a fantastic quality camera capable of amazing images, all at a price-point which could prove a game-changer.
The Nikon D600 offers much of the functionality of higher end full frame DSLRs at a much cheaper price. It also comes in a form-factor which could be more appealing to users who want to carry their camera around with them.
But the D600 needn't just be a great choice for enthusiasts who don't need or can't justify a more pricey camera. Professionals who want a back-up body would be equally advised to have a good look at one.
Capable of producing images as good as any other camera in most conditions, if you want full frame photographic bang for buck, the Nikon D600 really is a great choice.
Source : Gizmag
Original Samsung galaxy note to get sweet Jelly Bean upgrade
Great news for all galaxy Note owners, you have samsung being santa , offering OS upgrade to jelly bean , as a part of a premium upgrade suite it will offer on its Note microsite.The move to Android 4.1 will bring owners of the pioneering and surprisingly popular 5.3-inch phablet access to features like the Google Now personal assistant and Project butter. However there is no confirmation as to the date of availability of the upgrade, but its being offered for unlocked devices only, thats sure.
Along with this, a number of features which are part of the galaxy note 2 will be available too as a part of the premium upgrade suite!!Those additions are undoubtedly headlined by the neat Multi Window feature, which will allow two open apps to be running on the screen at the same time.The Popup window multi-tasking feature for Notes, Video and Browser is also coming to the device, while handwriting will also be enabled within the email app.
Via UberGizmo ,Techradar
Asus P1801 tablet displayed at FCC
Asus may be gearing up to release an 18 inch tablet in 2013, according to the Communication Commission, the size being guessed from the P1801 model name, as details are not so freely distributed.Engadget speculated the P1801-T may be the finalized version of Asus' Transformer AiO, which debuted at Computex back in June 2012, and hasn't been seen since.
The transformer AiO was a desktop PC + a massive tablet, with the screen removable from a dock, and offering Android (4.0 back then) in tablet mode, and windows (7 back then) in PC mode, though I hope they will change it to the latest Jelly Bean+ and Windows 8.
As if the FCC filing wasn't enough indication of the mysterious tablet's existence, GLBenchmark also debuted some specs for a P1801 device.According to this, it will run Android 4.1.1, cortex A9 processor and a scree of resolution 1920 x 1032, though no more info is avalaible as to the interchange of the operating systems.
Though with CES 2013 starting on Jan 6th, we dont need to wait much to get all doubts cleared over this mystery tab.
Source: Endgadget via techradar
"Virtual body technology" providing better virtual tour experience
Uptill now, "virtual travelling" was simply equivalent to staring at a screen with headphones on your ears. To make this a bit more of a realistic experience, Tokyo Metropolitan University Graduate School of System Design is developing what it calls “virtual body technology.” Unveiled at the Digital Contents Expo 2012 in Tokyo last October, the system claims to use all five senses to provide a virtual experience akin to inhabiting another person’s body.
The system is to provide preset stimuli to the passively navigating person, and that takes a tad more elaborative arrangement than a screen and headphones. Yes, more like those so called "4- D and 5- D" movie experiences. Ikei Laboratory’s system consists of a 3D monitor, headphones, a fan for breezes and odors, a chair that leans back and forth and vibrates, and foot pedals to provide a sensation of walking and running. How taste enters into the experience remains unclear.
And similar to the movie one, this is something that isnt at any rate going to appeal to most people seeking something better on hearing the word "Virtual Body", but it is being said to be designed mainly for the aged, so no complaints here i guess.
Here is little video of the system:
Source : Gizmag
Vertical gardens possible with "Biological Concrete"
No this is NOT ivy covering the walls... this is a newly designed biological concrete, as it is called, being developed at the Structural Technology Group, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, where a team led by Antonio Aguado for making vertical gardens, without the usual problems of roots penetrating the walls and weakening the structure.
Now what sets this concrete apart from normal one is that in it , the Portland Cement normally used is replaced with magnesium phosphate cement (which is normally used for repair work). This is more acidic than normal one, thus providing ideal substrate for growth of mosses, algae, lichens , etc in mediterranean climate. It can be adjusted in terms of porosity and roughness as desired
The panel consists of 3 layers- a waterproof innermost one, a middle water retentive one, and an outer layer which allows entry of water but prevents loss.This means that the panels can be used as vertical gardens without mechanical apparatus or constant maintenance.All this would help in growth of the mosses and algae etc, while preventing growth of higher plants and thus preventing root induced damage to the walls.
The purpose of the panels is mainly aesthetic, but the team also says that the growths on the panels can act as insulating material and a thermal regulator. They also say that the colonies help reduce carbon dioxide, though they don’t say by how much. Unless the colonies are amazingly heavy, it’s probably negligible.
Source : UPC via Gizmag
Everything about Google Music UK
At last , Google Music at Play store is available for the UK android users , although long after it was started in US. The Google Music is based in the 'cloud', which actually is a pretty neat thing. What this means is that the music you have or you buy, is stored and synced with all your devices . So no downloading or lack of storage issues, as long as you have a decent data connection!! (though i seriously hope this doesn't lead to device manufacturers to not upgrade the storage capacities! LOL )
There are 2 major components of the Play Music : the android app ( of course!) and the desktop music player (WOW! xD ). For those of you who do not have the app in your device (Which is a majority of the population), first of all download it from here : PLAY MUSIC
This will install the Play Music app on your device. It will exist as a separate player than the normal android one, so avoid the confusion. It can play your SD card's music in its interface as well, so no sad regretful taps on the wrong player for the wrong song!
Now second thing is syncing your music of your desktop PC , by signing with your Google account. To upload all your music from your iTunes and/or Windows player, you need to install the Google music manager, which will do the work for you. And you are done!! Congrats with your app!!
Opening the app you can find your SD card music as well as the cloud one, which you can easily stream without downloading over a decent wifi or 3G connection. Now obviously, you will find a very excited Google in selling you new music... various options to search for your desired song or artist. The nice thing is that your purchase allows instantaneous availability of the song for streaming!! (Cool eh! ). Of course it can be downloaded too!!!
Now the thing that matters the most to me personally - the PRICING!!!!
Albums cost around 5.99 bucks for latest ones, while oldies may cost around 2.99 bucks.New singles are mostly around 99p.
The music is encoded at 320 kbps, pretty decent sound alright, along with the toggle for higher quality in the player itself. Remember I said you can download music in ur PC as well... but thats only twice. To redownload more than twice, you need to install Google Music Manager App which lets you re-rip the entire collection to another computer..
At the end, its relatively simple, easy to sync, and i should say cold and official (lol)... Nice overall ,with the normal pricing and decent interface. ^__^
Apple in 2013: what to expect
Apple's meticulous regularity regarding release schedules was thrown to the wind during 2012, most notably with theiPad 4 following the iPad 3 after only six months. Also, we were a year ago totally wrong about the iPod Classicfinally bowing out - it's still on sale.
Still, we are heroically soldiering on regardless, with a list of 'Apple in 2013' predictions. They perhaps aren't as bonkers as some of those you'll find elsewhere on the web, but they are therefore probably more likely to come to pass!
1. An early iPhone 5S
You'd be crazy to think Apple wouldn't update the iPhone in 2013, given that it's responsible for much of the company's revenue. Judging by iPhone release patterns to date, it's likely to be a smaller bump this time round: aniPhone 5S, perhaps, with incremental improvements to speed, battery life and the camera. What's less certain is when it'll appear. With the recent autumn event suggesting a new iPad next October or perhaps every six months, the next iPhone might well arrive in the spring.
2. Apple TV or Apple iTV
Tim Cook recently referred to TV as "an area of intense interest" for Apple, adding: "When I go into my living room and turn on the TV, I feel like I have gone backwards in time by 20 to 30 years." So obviously this means a literalApple iTV, right? Not necessarily. TVs aren't updated regularly, yet Apple likes to refresh hardware often. Smart money is instead on the existing Apple TV box in 2013 becoming more than a mere hobby, and disruption coming from further integration with iOS devices, bespoke Apple TV apps, and an iTunes Match-style service for video, along with other deals with broadcasters and TV companies.
3. Something for the pros
We last year predicted the last ever Mac Pro would arrive in 2012. Instead, we got a half-hearted update and a promise from Tim Cook that the company was "working on something really great for later next year". Macs remain the minority of Apple's revenue, desktops are the minority of Mac sales, and Mac Pros sell in lower quantities than the iMac and Mac mini. Still,if Cook's true to his word, we will see a new Mac Pro next year - and we reckon that will be the last one Apple releases before it concentrates entirely on appliance computing.
4. iOS and OS X interface changes
In October, Apple fired Scott Forstall, and Sir Jony Ive, senior vice president of industrial design, was given the role of leading and directing all Apple's 'human interface', including software. We doubt we'll see a wholesale shift from overblown textures to sleek minimalism, but by the end of 2013, Ive will make his presence felt on OS X and iOS. We hope whatever the result it will at the least mean more usable Apple operating systems, and potentially more beautiful ones as well.
5. Innovation question marks
Apple's expected to revolutionise an industry about every eight seconds or tech pundits get all huffy. In reality, though, Apple has always been a company of iteration, only occasionally making breakthroughs: the Apple II (1977), the Mac (1984), the original iMac (1998), the iPod (2001), the iPhone (2007), and the iPad (2010).
Nonetheless, expect question marks to be raised during 2013 if Apple doesn't disrupt another market, regardless of how well its other devices are selling. Also expect people to remark a lot how the company's not the same now Steve Jobs isn't around, despite the company being a corporate-sized embodiment of the man.
6. Map attack
Having ditched Google Maps data, Apple rolled its own mapping solution foriOS 6. The results were problematic and error-strewn. Tim Cook apologised, Scott Forstall in part got the boot for the mess, and Apple doubled down, yet still didn't fix things fast enough for the Australian state of Victoria's police force, reportedly concerned about people becoming stranded. (That last story was a tad overblown, as it turns out, with only one person actually stranded. Still, it showcased the system's inability to make sensible assumptions when two places have similar names.)
Apple's pretty hopeless when it comes to online services, but maps are an area in which it cannot afford to fail, and so we've two predictions: first, Apple Maps will improve at a rate of knots; secondly, the service will be under close scrutiny, and so will ostensibly appear to remain broken but will in reality be less so as time moves on.
7. Super Siri
Siri arrived on more devices through iOS 6 and also learned some new tricks in 2012. Although it doesn't yet do everything people want, the voice-control system is a little more intelligent regarding finding information, and it can now launch apps. Apple needs to up its game to compete with the impressive Google voice search, though, and so 2013 will see major enhancements to Siri, primarily in terms of speed, but also regarding the information it can access. Also expect Apple to increasingly use Siri to circumvent the need to search online — much to the chagrin of Google.
8. Release cycle changes
For a time, Apple's release cycle was like clockwork, especially when it came to iOS: new iPads in the spring and an iPhone in late summer. The iPad 4 changed all that, arriving a mere six months after its predecessor. Expect competition from rivals to further disrupt Apple's release schedule, with some devices moving to six-monthly rather than annual updates, and others shifting from previous cycles. Also, given Apple's launch/shipping misses regarding the new 27-inch iMac (which launched alongside the 21-inch new iMac) and iTunes 11, we won't be surprised to see the company revert to simply not announcing future products unless they're pretty much ready to ship that day.
9. More profits and less market-share
We don't think we're in for a repeat of Windows/Mac OS when it comes to Android/iOS, but cheap Android tablets and smartphones will nonetheless continue to have an impact on Apple's market-share during 2013. Figures will, however, continue to show iOS has the lion's share in terms of ongoing usage and profits. Another prediction: pundits will fail to realise Apple's stalling or falling share of a rapidly growing market nonetheless equals growth, and continue to lump Android into a single group, despite, asIan Betteridge recently noted, it being "a set of semi-compatible platforms, built around the same technology".
10. Baffling survival of the iPod Classic
We last year predicted the iPod Classic's luck would run out in 2012, given Apple's shift to the cloud, its focus on iOS, and dropping flash memory prices potentially enabling larger-capacity iPod touch devices. Amazingly, it survived. Therefore, we're going to predict the iPod Classic will bafflingly remain in play for another year, in part because we were wrong last time, but mostly in an attempt to dare Apple to do otherwise.
Hopefully the drug to treat more than 50% of all types of cancers is on the cards!
Cancer has been one of the highly researched against diseases , with researchers trying hard , with the most ingenious methods tried till date, to try to find some sort of cure for this disease... a cure that has actually a curing rate higher than that of luck, and which causes more good than harm , seeing the consequences of chemo and radiotherapy.Also most therapies are for the common cancers in initial stages, like breast cancer, etc, but are totally useless in case of other cancers, some of which are rare.
For a long time now, researchers have been trying to identify the the various genetic anomalies , which cause cancer formation , and had come across what Dr Gary Gilliland of Merck call "the cell's angel of death" - a gene named p53- which they had found to be inactivated by some proteins binding to it, causing cell death, or apoptosis to not occur.
Now, three pharmaceutical firms, Merck, Roche and Sanofi, are racing against each other to test for the efficacy of a new compound that Dr Debussche's team struck upon at University of Michigan in 2009, which showed remarkable results in mice, clearing of tumors in a week , after just one dose. This compound manages to cleave the protein bound to the gene and causes cell to 'self destruct'.
This trial is first of its kind, as it is targeting many types of cancers at once, and not the usual single target trials. Merck has started testing for the efficacy of dosages and is doing trials on patients of acute mylogenous lukemia.
If the trials fail to show any effect, they will have to reluctantly admit defeat. But still, there is great hope for the patients of rare types of cancers , for whom there are no cures due to unprofitablity of the research for the various pharmaceutical firms , for a better and safer cure in the future. Even if this fails, at least the idea based on which the research was going on can be taken on to find other more efficient cures
Grand smartphone joins Samsung’s GALAXY line
Samsung's new GALAXY Grand boasts a 5-inch display at 800 x 480 pixel resolution
Samsung’s newly revealed GALAXY Grand smartphone might live up to the “grand” moniker in terms of the 5-inch size of its TFT LCD touchscreen, which is even larger than the 4.8-inch AMOLED display in Samsung's flagship GALAXY S3, but the somewhat underwhelming 800 x 480 pixel resolution underlines its positioning at the lower end of the smartphone market.
One of the most notable aspects of the Grand is its dual SIM capability, something that is more common for phones in Africa and Asia and hints that the device may not be released in Europe and North America. As well as being able to manage home and work numbers on a single device or allowing users to take advantage of different subscriber plans, the Grand lets users receive calls on one SIM number while taking a call from the other.
Running Android 4.1.2, the device is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM that Samsung claims makes the it up to the task of simultaneously running multiple apps using the Multi Window feature. Additionally, Popup Video lets videos be viewed in a pop-up window while running other tasks.
There’s an 8-megapixel auto focus rear shooter with flash, a claimed zero shutter lag and Full HD video recording capabilities, along with a 2-megapixel unit on the front for video calls. There’s also a backside illumination sensor for taking shots in dark conditions.
Onboard storage comes courtesy of 8 GB of flash memory, expandable via the microSD card slot, with GPS, accelerometer, digital compass, gyro, FM radio and 3.5 mm headphone jack also featured. Connectivity specs include 21 Mbps HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0 + LE, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, DLNA and USB 2.0.
The Samsung GALAXY Grand measures 77 x 143.7 x 9.6 mm (3.0 x 5.66 x 0.37 in) and weighs 162 g (5.7 oz). It is powered by a 2,100 mAh Li-ion battery. No pricing or release info have been announced, but more details are expected at CES 2013.
Source: Samsung , Gizmag
Apple rumored to release a thinner iPad 5 in March
The report's description suggests that the iPad 5 will resemble a larger iPad mini
When Apple released a 4th-generation iPad just eight months after its predecessor, we wondered whether we'd still see a new iPad in March (its typical release slot). A new report claims that we will, with a redesigned 5th-generation iPad waiting in the wings.
According to Japanese blog Macotakara (which has a solid record with supply chain leaks), the iPad 5's design will borrow from the iPad mini. Their sources expect the tablet to be 4 mm shorter, 2 mm thinner, and 17 mm narrower. The huge decrease in width suggests thinner side bezels, like the iPad mini.
The report says that Apple is accelerating its release cycle as a response to the Nexus 7 and Surface. That's almost certainly speculation on their part, as Apple wouldn't likely brief suppliers on its motives. But competition is heating up in the tablet market. A new iPad would serve as ammunition against rival devices, as well as minimizing the iPad mini's cannibalization of its big brother.
Retina iPad mini?
The report also mentions a 2nd-generation iPad mini with Retina Display. This isn't the first time we've heard this, but this report says that it will have a 7.9-inch, 2,048 x 1,536 display with an A6X chip.
The source doesn't have a time frame for the alleged Retina iPad mini, but it says that it will enter trial production later this month.
Truth or fiction?
We'd recommend taking this – and all Apple rumors – with healthy grains of salt. But the details are logical. Many believe that Apple is moving to a six-month iPad release cycle. Additionally, the 4th-gen. iPad is bulky and heavy next to the iPad mini; a thinner, lighter design would help to put it (and its higher profit margins) back in the spotlight.
Either way, Apple's secrecy isn't what it used to be. A series of leaks left little surprises when Apple revealed the iPad 3, iPhone 5, and iPad mini. Is this one of those surprise killers, or just a bunch of hot air? Stay tuned.
Source: Macotakara, via Macrumors , Gizmag
Top 10 concept vehicles of 2012
Techno World's pick of the sexiest, most advanced and most noteworthy concept cars of 2012
Doomsday has passed without a gasp, so it looks like humanity still has a future. If the concept cars we saw during the past year are any indication, that future looks very bright. As we prepare to roll the calendars over to 2013, it's time to celebrate the finest concepts that 2012 bestowed upon the world. From voluptuous supercars, to green fuel misers, to the downright abstract and outlandish, it was a big year for concepts and design studies.
- Sexiest Roadster: Lamborghini Aventador J
If there was one concept car that simply exuded four-wheeled sex appeal from every vent and crevice, it was the Lamborghini Aventador J. Lamborghini took the already gorgeous Aventador, cut the roof and windshield clean off, and created a one-piece sculpture effect by seamlessly blending the body with the cockpit. It's no surprise that the Geneva-debuted one-off concept fetched more than $2.75 million from its lucky buyer.
Coolest Off-Roader: Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force
The Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force and its "hydro-tech converter" (even Mercedes put quotations around that piece of non-existent componentry) won't be showing up to dirt roads anytime soon, but in an age when every real SUV is getting watered down into a bloated station wagon – we're looking at you Nissan Pathfinder – it was nice to see an automaker thinking about a future for one of the few real off-roaders left. Like the G-Class, the hydrogen-fueled Ener-G-Force was designed to tackle any muddy road, rock garden or slick hill thrown under its tires. The vision also included some helpful equipment like a pull-out toolbox and terrain scanner.
Most Radical Supercar Design: Peugeot Onyx
Given the sheer number of cars purporting to be "super" these days, it's not easy to design a car that truly is. Many supercar concepts look like old, tired designs dressed up with new badges and vents. So it was quite exciting when Peugeot gave the Paris Motor Show crowd a concept supercar that resembled no other. It started with a distinct face and body and brought the concept to superlative levels with copper wings and doors and matte-black carbon fiber bodywork. The functional artistry on the body was almost enough to make folks forget about the 600-hp V8 hybrid powertrain waiting to spin the wheels. As if the Onyx car needed any help, Peugeot designed a matching three-wheel scooter and a bicycle to go with it.
Coolest Concept That Will Never See Production: Volkswagen Hover Car
As much as the idea of a hover car brings out the little kid in us, we don't see the Volkswagen Hover Car hitting production in the near (or distant) future. The two-person flotation pod was the result of Volkswagen's People's Car crowd-sourcing project. The Hover Car may not be part of Volkswagen's 2014 line, but we commend the public for not just getting outside the box, but for shredding all evidence that such a box exists.
Coolest Concept Likely to See Production: Lexus LF-LC
Lexus debuted the LF-LC at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show with the strictest conceptual intentions. A positive reaction from Detroit visitors led the company to begin considering production. Reports about production plans have persisted since last winter, and a car based on the LF-LC could potentially transition into the role of a flashy sports flagship now that the last LFA has rolled off the assembly lines. Behind its sharp styling, the LF-LC concept housed a 500-hp Advanced Hybrid Drive System.
Best Conceptual Revival: Jeep Mighty FC
Jeep has been flirting with the idea of a bringing back a pick-up model for years, and the Mighty FC may have been the baddest conceptualization yet. Channeling Jeep's Willys heritage, the Mighty FC concept combined a 2012 Wrangler Rubicon cab with a full-sized cargo box. It may look less maneuverable than the average Wrangler, but Jeep showed video evidence that it was nimble enough to master some of the scorched-slickrock rambles of Moab, Utah.
EV We Most Want to be Seen in: Morgan Plus E
Modern day auto shows are filled with fanciful electric and green concepts, many of which are designed to appear futuristic. Sometimes they pull it off, and sometimes they fail. The Morgan Motor Company didn't take that chance. As it likes to do, Morgan went the opposite direction in terms of styling, sliding an electric powertrain into a retro-styled car that Dick Tracy could have emerged from. In addition to can't-miss looks, the Plus E had a rare combination of electric motor and five-speed manual transmission. Morgan showed it at the Geneva Motor Show to gauge public reaction.
EV We Most Want to Drive: Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive claimed an early stake as king of electric supercars this year. The car's four motors put out 740 hp, which led Mercedes to declare it the "world's most powerful electric super sports car" (though the Rimac would certainly take issue with that point). Mercedes says those bolting ponies are enough to power the car to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds and onward to a 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. The AMG will hit the market late next year €416,500 (about US$550,000).
Best Production Car Turned Racer: Bentley Continental GT3 Concept Racer
Bentley left motorsport racing back in 2003, when the Continental GT was but an infant. Now that the car is all grown up, Bentley is returning to racing with the Continental GT3. Based on the Continental GT Speed, the GT3 will make its racing debut next year. Bentley is still developing the race car and has yet to announce the specs.
Hottest Concept We'll See Next Year: McLaren P1
It's almost not fair to put the McLaren P1 on a list like this. We've waited for the return of a flagship McLaren for so long, we would have been impressed with just about anything it rolled out. But, despite the difficulty of recapturing legend, the F1's successor managed to exceed all expectations. A truly unique and stunning design, the P1 looked like nothing we've ever seen. Every component and aerodynamic feature threw down a gauntlet at the world's most elite supercars, saying, "Think you can take me? 2013: Let's do it." McLaren has yet to reveal what "it" the P1 can do, but we know it will rattle track-side stands when it launches next year.
Honorable mentions
BMW Zagato
With so many incredible concepts to choose from, we ran out of spaces before we got to the BMW Zagato. Plus, we thought that including a "Best Combination of German Engineering and Italian Styling" category might have tipped the scales too far in favor of this car. First revealed as a coupe at Lake Como, the Zagato showed up to Pebble Beach without its roof.
Odorico Pordenone
Our focus was on vehicles that drive (at least theoretically), but if we included vehicles that get towed behind others, the Odorico Pordenonewould have made the cut. One of the most stylish mobile living quarters we saw in 2012, the concept camper used two hard-sided wings to commute nimbly in traffic and expand into a large, stable living space.
Magna Steyr MILA Coupic
The MILA Coupic concept, debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, was far from the prettiest concept we saw this year, and it seems unlikely it will show up to market in its specific form. However, we like the flexibility and utility of the 3-in-1 concept and see it as a useful solution for drivers that want the efficiency and fun of a small convertible with the space of a larger car or truck.
Infiniti Emerg-E
We stacked our list with green supercars like the Peugeot Onyx and Mercedes E-Drive, so the slot where the Emerg-E would have gone was already filled. Still, this 402-hp range-extender developed with the help of Lotus gets a nod for its combination of style, performance and hybrid power. It's also been the subject of production rumors, so maybe we'll see it again in 2013.
Have we missed something? Choosing from the array of concept cars we've encountered over the past 12 months has been no easy task and we'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Have your say in the comments section below.
SOurce : Gizmag
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