We've become pretty accustomed to shelling out a dollar or two for the best iPhone apps, but many of the best apps are free.
Here are our favorite iPhone apps that won't cost you a penny, and don't include any ads!
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The iPhone is a line of Internet and multimedia-enabled smartphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The first iPhone was introduced on January 9, 2007. An iPhone functions as a camera phone, including text messaging and... More ?
SUNDAY, Jan. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have identified three new genomic regions they believe are linked with breast cancer that may help explain why some women develop the disease.
All three newly identified areas "contain interesting genes that open up new avenues for biological and clinical research," said researcher Douglas Easton, a professor of genetic epidemiology at the University of Cambridge in England.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with about 1 million new cases annually worldwide and more than 400,000 deaths a year.
Scientists conducting genome-wide association studies -- research that looks at the association between genetic factors and disease to pinpoint possible causes -- had already identified 22 breast cancer susceptibility loci. Locus is the physical location of a gene or DNA sequence on a chromosome.
"The three [newly identified] loci take the number of common susceptibility loci from 22 to 25," said Easton.
However, the three new susceptibility loci might explain only about 0.7 percent of the familial risks of breast cancer, bringing the total contribution to about 9 percent, the researchers said.
Michael Melner, scientific program director for the American Cancer Society, said this current research adds some important new clues to existing evidence, but he agreed that the number of cases likely associated with these three variants is probably low.
"So the total impact in terms of patients would be fairly small," Melner said.
The study is published online Jan. 22 in Nature Genetics.
To find the new clues, Easton's team worked with genetic information on about 57,000 breast cancer patients and 58,000 healthy women obtained from two genome-wide association studies.
The investigators zeroed in on 72 different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A SNP -- pronounced "snip" -- is a change in which a single base in the DNA differs from the usual base. The human genome has millions of SNPs, some linked with disease, while others are normal variations.
The researchers focused on three SNPs -- on chromosomes 12p11, 12q24 and 21q21.
Easton's team found that the variant on the 12p11 chromosome is linked with both estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (which needs estrogen to grow) and estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer. The other two variants are only linked with ER-positive cancers, they said.
One of the newly identified variants is in an area with a gene that has a role in the development of mammary glands and bones. Easton said it was already known that mammary gland development in puberty is an important period in terms of determining later cancer risk. "But these are the first susceptibility genes to be shown to be involved in this process," he said.
One of the other SNPs is in an area that can affect estrogen receptor signaling, the researchers found.
Melner, noting some of the research is "fine tuning" of other work, said in his view the new understanding of the signaling pathways and their genetic links is the most important finding.
"When you delineate a pathway, you bring up new potential targets for therapy," he said. "The more targets you have, you open up the potential for having multiple drugs and attacking a cancer more easily, without it becoming more resistant."
Overall, Melner added, the results underscore the complexity of the different mechanisms involved in breast cancer development.
More information
For more about the genetics of breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society.
In solar cells, tweaking the tiniest of parts yields big jump in efficiencyPublic release date: 20-Jan-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Charlotte Hsu chsu22@buffalo.edu 716-645-4655 University at Buffalo
Company led by university researchers employs charged quantum dots to increase the efficiency of solar cell technology
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- By tweaking the smallest of parts, a trio of University at Buffalo engineers is hoping to dramatically increase the amount of sunlight that solar cells convert into electricity.
With military colleagues, the UB researchers have shown that embedding charged quantum dots into photovoltaic cells can improve electrical output by enabling the cells to harvest infrared light, and by increasing the lifetime of photoelectrons.
The research appeared online last May in the journal Nano Letters. The research team included Vladimir Mitin, Andrei Sergeev and Nizami Vagidov, faculty members in UB's electrical engineering department; Kitt Reinhardt of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research; and John Little and advanced nanofabrication expert Kimberly Sablon of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.
Mitin, Sergeev and Vagidov have founded a company, OPtoElectronic Nanodevices LLC. (OPEN LLC.), to bring the innovation to the market.
The idea of embedding quantum dots into solar panels is not new: According to Mitin, scientists had proposed about a decade ago that this technique could improve efficiency by allowing panels to harvest invisible, infrared light in addition to visible light. However, intensive efforts in this direction have previously met with limited success.
The UB researchers and their colleagues have not only successfully used embedded quantum dots to harvest infrared light; they have taken the technology a step further, employing selective doping so that quantum dots within the solar cell have a significant built-in charge.
This built-in charge is beneficial because it repels electrons, forcing them to travel around the quantum dots. Otherwise, the quantum dots create a channel of recombination for electrons, in essence "capturing" moving electrons and preventing them from contributing to electric current.
The technology has the potential to increase the efficiency of solar cells up to 45 percent, said Mitin, a SUNY Distinguished Professor. Through UB's Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach (STOR), he and his colleagues have filed provisional patent applications to protect their technology.
"Clean technology will really benefit the region, the state, the country," Mitin said. "With high-efficiency solar cells, consumers can save money and providers can have a smaller solar field that produces more energy."
Mitin and his colleagues have already invested significant amounts of time in developing the quantum dots with a built-in-charge, dubbed "Q-BICs." To further enhance the technology and bring it to the market, OPEN LLC is now seeking funding from private investors and federal programs.
###
The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.
Related Stories:
Vladimir Mitin Among Three UB Faculty Members Named SUNY Distinguished Professors: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/9243
A photo of Mitin is available here: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/13138
[ | E-mail | Share ]
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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
In solar cells, tweaking the tiniest of parts yields big jump in efficiencyPublic release date: 20-Jan-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Charlotte Hsu chsu22@buffalo.edu 716-645-4655 University at Buffalo
Company led by university researchers employs charged quantum dots to increase the efficiency of solar cell technology
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- By tweaking the smallest of parts, a trio of University at Buffalo engineers is hoping to dramatically increase the amount of sunlight that solar cells convert into electricity.
With military colleagues, the UB researchers have shown that embedding charged quantum dots into photovoltaic cells can improve electrical output by enabling the cells to harvest infrared light, and by increasing the lifetime of photoelectrons.
The research appeared online last May in the journal Nano Letters. The research team included Vladimir Mitin, Andrei Sergeev and Nizami Vagidov, faculty members in UB's electrical engineering department; Kitt Reinhardt of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research; and John Little and advanced nanofabrication expert Kimberly Sablon of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.
Mitin, Sergeev and Vagidov have founded a company, OPtoElectronic Nanodevices LLC. (OPEN LLC.), to bring the innovation to the market.
The idea of embedding quantum dots into solar panels is not new: According to Mitin, scientists had proposed about a decade ago that this technique could improve efficiency by allowing panels to harvest invisible, infrared light in addition to visible light. However, intensive efforts in this direction have previously met with limited success.
The UB researchers and their colleagues have not only successfully used embedded quantum dots to harvest infrared light; they have taken the technology a step further, employing selective doping so that quantum dots within the solar cell have a significant built-in charge.
This built-in charge is beneficial because it repels electrons, forcing them to travel around the quantum dots. Otherwise, the quantum dots create a channel of recombination for electrons, in essence "capturing" moving electrons and preventing them from contributing to electric current.
The technology has the potential to increase the efficiency of solar cells up to 45 percent, said Mitin, a SUNY Distinguished Professor. Through UB's Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach (STOR), he and his colleagues have filed provisional patent applications to protect their technology.
"Clean technology will really benefit the region, the state, the country," Mitin said. "With high-efficiency solar cells, consumers can save money and providers can have a smaller solar field that produces more energy."
Mitin and his colleagues have already invested significant amounts of time in developing the quantum dots with a built-in-charge, dubbed "Q-BICs." To further enhance the technology and bring it to the market, OPEN LLC is now seeking funding from private investors and federal programs.
###
The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.
Related Stories:
Vladimir Mitin Among Three UB Faculty Members Named SUNY Distinguished Professors: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/9243
A photo of Mitin is available here: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/13138
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
LOS ANGELES ? A man accused of scaling the fence of Halle Berry's house will remain in jail after pleading no contest to stalking the Oscar-winning actress.
Deputy District Attorney Wendy Segall says Richard A. Franco was sentenced to serve 386 days in county jail Thursday, but he has already served half the term.
The 28-year-old was also placed on five years' probation, a year of psychological counseling and ordered to stay away from the actress for the next decade.
Franco was arrested outside Berry's home in July after repeatedly coming onto her property. In one instance, the actress stated in a sworn declaration that Franco attempted to enter her kitchen, but she was able to lock the door before he got inside.
A burglary charge filed against Franco was dropped.
>>>back in this country the
winter storm
that hit
seattle
was not the apocalyptic disaster some were predicting and fearing but for that part of the country five inches of snow in one shot is a lot. our report from nbc's miguel almaguer.
>>oh, yeah!
>> reporter: across
washington state
a good day to stay home. streets became neighborhood playgrounds.
>>look at all of this stuff and it's still snowing right now.
>> reporter: in olympia, the
state capital
some found new ways to get to work.
downtown seattle
where nearly a year's worth of snow fell in a single day, most streets were deserted.
>>i came from chicago and we experience heavier snow than here, but everyone is having problems driving.
>> reporter: five inches paralyzing a community used to rain. sights like these are rare. snowmobiles in the streets, smartcars wearing chains. the winter blast left many hillside roads closed, schools shut down and airlines canceled flights.
>>we're ready to go home. i'm crossing my fingers and ohoping for the best.
>> reporter: his bernard panda.
>>if i get stuck i hook him up and let him pull me out.
>> reporter: passes were shut down because of avalanche danger, a storm on the move.
>>it's going to shift to the south and give
northern california
, utah and colorado some much needed snowfall. they haven't had a good storm like this since november.
>> reporter: already in oregon, rain turned to slush and hammered portland while along the coast, hurricane-force wind gusts knocked out power to 30,000. brian the good news, snow in
seattle
is expected to turn to rain. they're used to that in these parts. the bad news it's headed in your direction, first chicago then the northeast.
>>first you get inside miguel. thanks for that. a wad nigbad night in
seattle
.
A UK woman with two vaginas has captured the attention of the news world. Hazel Jones insists she has no interest in cashing in on this irregularity, however.
Jones revealed she was diagnosed with uterus didelphys, an uncommon condition which means she has two wombs and two cervixes, earlier this week.
The 27-year-old has since been approached by - who else - Vivid Entertainment about starring in an adult film for $1 million. NO chance, she says.
According to the Daily Mail (UK), she said: "I would never even consider such an offer, let alone actually do it in million years ... I just want to be left alone."
Vivid Founder/CEO Steven Hirsch, who's made similar pitches to everyone from Octomom (often) to Casey Anthony (later withdrawn), wrote Jones:
"You are obviously an extraordinary woman and I would like to make you an offer to star in an upcoming Vivid production. We would pay you up to $1 million."
"We would fly you out to L.A. as soon as you are available and provide you with first class accommodations in addition to the payment for your services."
He did not release any plot details for this potential erotic masterpiece.
Vivid has become the leader in "legit" celebrity sex tapes, with raw footage of Pamela Anderson, Kim Kardashian and others netting the company millions.
Don't look for Hazel Jones to join their illustrious client list now or down the road, though. Likely for the best. Watch an interview with her after the jump.
LOS ANGELES - Former England captain David Beckham will be returning to the LA Galaxy on a fresh contract to be formally announced on Thursday, the Los Angeles Times has reported.
However, there was no immediate confirmation by the Galaxy on Wednesday.
Beckham's five-year deal with the Galaxy concluded on December 31. and there had been widespread speculation the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was considering offers from Paris St. Germain and a number of English clubs.
Earlier this month, Paris St Germain said Beckham would not be joining the big-spending Ligue 1 soccer club due to family reasons.
Galaxy's owners have continually indicated a new deal is on offer to the 36-year-old Beckham, who has kept his intentions very close to his chest and refused to discuss his future after the end of the 2011 Major League Soccer season.
On its website, the LA Times said on Wednesday Beckham had reached agreement with the Galaxy on a new contract for the 2012 season, which begins in March.
"Details of the contract were not immediately available but it is expected to call for a summer sabbatical from MLS play, allowing Beckham to play for the English (British) team in the London Olympics," the Times reported.
Copyright 2012 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.
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Public release date: 20-Jan-2012
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