Three UK has announced that it'll be carrying Acer's latest mid-range Android offering, the Liquid E2. The 4.5-incher, which comes with a qHD (960x540) display resolution and a quad-core MediaTek 1.2GHz processor, will be arriving "soon," the network said in a media release today. Three says the Liquid E2 will run on Three's 42Mbps DC-HSDPA network, though it looks like support for the carrier's upcoming LTE network is out of the question.
Other notable specs include an 8-megapixel camera, stereo speakers, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of storage, expandable via microSD. No release date has been given for the Acer Liquid E2 on Three, though with the device appearing on Three's "Coming Soon" page today, a retail launch probably isn't too far off.
Although sequestration has grounded some military aviation performances, air show fans have plenty to look forward to in 2013, including helos, hot-air balloons, vintage military planes, and more.
By Kiona Smith-Strickland
", credit: "", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/Vr/summer-air-shows-01-0613-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/yJ/summer-air-shows-01-0613-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide2", url: "the-9-air-shows-you-should-see-this-summer-2", slidetype: "image", title: "Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival", description: "Where: Battle Creek, Mich. \nWhen: July 3 to July 7\n
\nWatch the nearly simultaneous launch of 20 hot-air balloons, see a real-life aerobatic show by Dusty from Disney?s movie (Planes) (played by a specially painted Air Tractor agricultural plane), and watch the Aerostars perform team aerobatics in Cold War?era Russian Yak-52 TW trainers. On July 5, enjoy a pyrotechnic night air show and witness the balloons lighting their burners at sunset.", credit: "Battle Creek CVB/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/g1/summer-air-shows-02-0613-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/rd/summer-air-shows-02-0613-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide3", url: "the-9-air-shows-you-should-see-this-summer-3", slidetype: "image", title: "Tacoma Freedom Fair Air Show", description: "Where: Tacoma, Wash. \nWhen: July 4 to 6\n
\nThis two-hour show on Independence Day features vintage military aircraft such the T-33 Shooting Star trainer, the F-86 fighter, and the A-26C Invader light bomber, as well as fantastic civilian aerobatics. On July 6, check out Wings & Wheels, where biplane and helicopter rides share Tacoma Narrows Airport with a car and motorcycle show.", credit: "Ken Jarvis/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/JL/summer-air-shows-03-0613-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/Lt/summer-air-shows-03-0613-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide4", url: "the-9-air-shows-you-should-see-this-summer-4", slidetype: "image", title: "Fair Saint Louis Air Show", description: "Where: Saint Louis, Mo. \nWhen: July 4 to July 6\n
\nTour a B-17 Flying Fortress, or take a B-17 ride (for a fee). Check out the nonprofit Commemorative Air Force?s Red Tail Squadron P-51C Mustang World War II fighter. Watch the Red Bull Helicopter perform loops and rolls, enjoy team aerobatic performances by Aeroshell in AT-6 trainers, and don?t miss the Liberty Jump Team?s skydiving show.", credit: "Mark Schierbecker/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/Vh/summer-air-shows-04-0613-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/Er/summer-air-shows-04-0613-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide5", url: "the-9-air-shows-you-should-see-this-summer-5", slidetype: "image", title: "Oregon International Air Show", description: "Where: Hillsboro, Ore. \nWhen: July 26 to July 28\n
\nThe Patriots, one of the country?s two civilian jet demonstration teams, will perform formation aerobatics in their L-39 Albatros jets. See vintage military aircraft, including the MiG-17F and MiG-21UM fighters and the A-26 Invader in the air, and then see them up close on the ground. The show also features the Red Bull Skydiving Team and a lineup of exciting aerobatic performances.", credit: "Ryan Harvey/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/E9/summer-air-shows-05-0613-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/xs/summer-air-shows-05-0613-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide6", url: "the-9-air-shows-you-should-see-this-summer-6", slidetype: "image", title: "Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture", description: "Where: Oshkosh, Wis. \nWhen: July 29 to August 4\n
\nBilled as the ?World?s Greatest Aviation Celebration,? AirVenture will host 10,000 aircraft from about 60 countries, from World War II warbirds to cutting-edge experimental planes. This year?s lineup includes the only privately owned BAE Sea Harrier F/A2 vertical takeoff and landing fighter. Don?t miss the aerial Pear Harbor re-enactment Tora! Tora! Tora! performed by the Commemorative Air Force and developed in consultation with veterans from both sides of the battle. After witnessing aviation history, check out exhibits demonstrating the latest aircraft innovations and the future of flight.", credit: "Armchair Aviator/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/OG/summer-air-shows-06-0613-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/5v/summer-air-shows-06-0613-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide7", url: "the-9-air-shows-you-should-see-this-summer-7", slidetype: "image", title: "Rocky Mountain Airshow", description: "Where: Broomfield, Colo. \nWhen: Aug. 16 to Aug. 18\n
\nLarge sport rocket launches have never been allowed at public events before, but the Federal Aviation Administration is field-testing proposed guidelines for public launches at this year?s Rocky Mountain Airshow, featuring the Stars and Stripes Rocket. You can watch hot-air balloons lift off in the Rocky Mountain BalloonFest. See flyovers by vintage aircraft, including the only flying B-29 left?the Commemorative Air Force?s FiFi?along with thrilling aerobatic acts and wing-walking.", credit: "nelsocs/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/QT/summer-air-shows-07-0613-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/Uf/summer-air-shows-07-0613-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide8", url: "the-9-air-shows-you-should-see-this-summer-8", slidetype: "image", title: "Memphis Airshow", description: "Where: Memphis, Tenn. \nWhen: Sept. 28 and Sept. 29\n
\nThe Royal Canadian Air Force?s Snowbirds will perform formation jet aerobatics at Millington Regional Jetport in their CT-114 Tutor jet trainers. After dark, seven surprise acts will perform a pyrotechnic night air show followed by fireworks.", credit: "ceasol/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/88/summer-air-shows-08-0613-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/4q/summer-air-shows-08-0613-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide9", url: "the-9-air-shows-you-should-see-this-summer-9", slidetype: "image", title: "Wings over Houston", description: "Where: Houston, Texas \nWhen: Oct. 26 and Oct. 27\n
\nOne of the largest air shows in the U.S., Wings Over Houston features a multitude of warbirds and vintage aircraft, including the B-29 FiFi and the Red Tail Squadron P-51C. This year?s lineup also includes a 60th anniversary Korean War tribute, featuring historic aircraft from the era, from the MiG-15 fighter to the Sikorsky YR-4 helicopter.", credit: "", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/lB/summer-air-shows-09-0613-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/kt/summer-air-shows-09-0613-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 } ] };
American Heroes Air Show
Where: Lake View Terrace, Calif. When: June 29
This helicopters-only air show is dedicated to demonstrating the vital role of helos in the military, law enforcement, firefighting and search-and-rescue operations. Watch flyovers and demonstrations, explore static displays and public safety exhibits, or take a helicopter ride.
Between the iOS App Store, BlackBerry World, Google Play, and Windows Phone Store, there are more than 1.7 million apps available for smartphone and tablet users to choose from. The explosion in apps has been fueled by an explosion in users, who to date have downloaded well over 100 billion apps.
With so many apps to choose from, taking the virtual step into an app store presents a bewildering selection. Does it really matter how many apps a platform has in its store, or should we be worrying about which apps there are and how good they are?
How are we supposed to sort the good apps from the bad? Are reviews the answer, or can a managed store make a difference? Search might dig up something - if you know what you're looking for. Big name developers might offer some predictability, yet independent developers are often where you can find the innovation. Then again, big and small developers alike aren't immune from pumping out poor quality material.
So how do we sort through that to find the good apps, the best apps, the apps that really work for what you need?
June 17, 2013 ? The naturally occurring hormone kisspeptin effectively induces egg maturation during infertility treatment, according to a clinical in vitro fertilization (IVF) study.
The results were presented Monday at The Endocrine Society's 95th Annual Meeting in San Francisco.
Aptly named after the popular chocolate Hershey's kiss candy, kisspeptin was discovered in Hershey, PA, in 1996. Released by the brain in both males and females, the hormone triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics and other changes of puberty.
Each year, thousands of women seek IVF treatment for infertility. The treatment is readily available and often successful, but, like all medical interventions, still has some risks. One of the most serious is a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This condition results when the hormones used to stimulate egg maturation overstimulate the ovaries, which can then become painfully swollen. Often cases are mild and improve without treatment in one to two weeks. However, approximately 10 percent of cases are severe ones causing life-threatening complications, including shortness of breath, blood clots and kidney failure.
In contrast, kisspeptin stimulates the ovaries to release levels of reproductive hormones that are similar to those produced naturally by women with normal menstrual cycles. Because of this, fertility researchers are interested in the hormone's potential to safely induce egg maturation in IVF.
Results from this study funded by the Medical Research Council UK and the National Institute for Health Research indicate that the hormone kisspeptin effectively induces egg maturation when used during IVF treatment. In 21 of 22 women who participated in the study, egg maturation occurred after kisspeptin injections. Embryos developed in 20 women. Twelve hours after kisspeptin injections, luteinizing hormone levels increased eightfold. During the normal reproductive cycle, luteinizing hormone increases to trigger ovulation.
"We have shown that kisspeptin can be used effectively in patients undergoing IVF treatment to more naturally stimulate the release of reproductive hormones and result in a healthy baby," said study lead author Waljit Dhillo, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Endocrinology at Imperial College London, United Kingdom. "The use of a hormone that stimulates the release of reproductive hormones during IVF treatment as occurs in normal women could prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Kisspeptin may, therefore, offer an entirely novel therapeutic option for fertility treatment."
Study participants included 22 women who received IVF treatment with kisspeptin in place of the customary hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, used to induce egg maturation during IVF. Thirty-six hours after kisspeptin injection, investigators obtained the mature eggs, which they then artificially inseminated. After embryo development occurred, investigators transferred one to two embryos to the uterus.
While it is still too early to assess all of the pregnancy data, early data are very encouraging, showing that eight of 19 participants were pregnant 12 days after receiving an embryo transfer. One woman has already given birth to a healthy baby boy. The next step, according to Dhillo, is to determine whether kisspeptin can prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women who are healthy, but infertile.
The Medical Research Council UK and the National Institute for Health Research funded the study.
FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 file photo, English food writer, journalist and broadcaster, Nigella Lawson poses during the 28th MIPCOM (International Film and Programme Market for Tv, Video,Cable and Satellite) in Cannes, southeastern France. British police say they are investigating after a newspaper published photos of Nigella Lawson's husband Charles Saatchi with his hands around the celebrity chef's throat. The Sunday People newspaper ran pictures of what it said was the couple's violent argument at a London restaurant on June 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau, File)
FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 file photo, English food writer, journalist and broadcaster, Nigella Lawson poses during the 28th MIPCOM (International Film and Programme Market for Tv, Video,Cable and Satellite) in Cannes, southeastern France. British police say they are investigating after a newspaper published photos of Nigella Lawson's husband Charles Saatchi with his hands around the celebrity chef's throat. The Sunday People newspaper ran pictures of what it said was the couple's violent argument at a London restaurant on June 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau, File)
FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 file photo, English food writer, journalist and broadcaster, Nigella Lawson poses during the 28th MIPCOM (International Film and Programme Market for Tv, Video,Cable and Satellite) in Cannes, southeastern France. British police say they are investigating after a newspaper published photos of Nigella Lawson's husband Charles Saatchi with his hands around the celebrity chef's throat. The Sunday People newspaper ran pictures of what it said was the couple's violent argument at a London restaurant on June 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau, File)
LONDON (AP) ? British police are investigating newspaper photos that show art collector Charles Saatchi grasping the throat of his wife, celebrity chef Nigella Lawson.
The pictures drew widespread condemnation after they were published by the Sunday People tabloid. The paper said the images were taken during an argument at a London restaurant on June 9.
London police said Monday they hadn't received a criminal complaint about the incident, and "inquiries are in hand to establish the facts" in order to assess whether a formal investigation is warranted.
Saatchi told the London Evening Standard newspaper that the photos misrepresented a "playful tiff."
Saatchi, an Evening Standard columnist, said "the pictures are horrific but give a far more drastic and violent impression of what took place."
"About a week ago, we were sitting outside a restaurant having an intense debate about the children, and I held Nigella's neck repeatedly while attempting to emphasize my point," he was quoted as saying. "There was no grip, it was a playful tiff."
The 70-year-old Saatchi also told the paper the couple "had made up by the time we were home.
"The paparazzi were congregated outside our house after the story broke yesterday morning, so I told Nigella to take the kids off till the dust settled."
Lawson's spokesman, Mark Hutchinson, confirmed that she and her children had left the family home, but declined to comment further.
Saatchi and Lawson married in 2003 and live in London with Lawson's son and daughter from her marriage to journalist John Diamond, who died of cancer in 2001, and Saatchi's daughter from a previous marriage.
In Britain, a complaint from the victim isn't necessary to file assault charges if there is enough evidence from witnesses.
Lawson, 53, gained fame with her 1998 best-seller "How To Eat" and is one of Britain's best-known cookbook writers, as well as the host of foodie TV shows including "Nigella Bites" and ABC's cooking program "The Taste."
Saatchi, co-founder of the Saatchi & Saatchi ad agency, owns one of London's biggest private art galleries. He was the main patron of the Young British Artists movement of the 1990s, which made household names of artists including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.
June 16, 2013 ? Male mice who were fed a high-fat diet and became obese were more likely to father offspring who also had higher levels of body fat, a new Ohio University study finds.
The effect was observed primarily in male offspring, despite their consumption of a low-fat diet, scientists reported today at the annual meeting of The Endocrine Society in San Francisco, Calif.
"We've identified a number of traits that may affect metabolism and behavior of offspring dependent on the pre-conception diet of the father," said Felicia Nowak, an associate professor of biomedical sciences in Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine who is lead author on the study.
The researchers point to epigenetics -- the way genes are expressed, as opposed to mutations in DNA that are "hard-wired into the genes" -- as a possible cause of these inherited traits. Because gene expression is impacted by environmental and lifestyle factors, this finding suggests that individuals with obese fathers may be able to proactively address health concerns.
The effect of parents' diet and weight on children has been well-established in humans, Nowak explained, but scientists have been studying the issue in mice to learn more about the biological mechanisms behind the phenomenon. The Ohio University team studied the impact of the high-fat diet only with male mice parents, as most of the previous research had focused on female mice parents.
To conduct the study, the researchers fed male mice a high-fat diet for 13 weeks before mating. (The female mates were fed a matched low-fat diet.) Male and female offspring were fed a standard low-fat diet and studied at 20 days, six weeks and at six and 12 months.
Compared with offspring from control mice (who were fed the low-fat diet), the male offspring of paternal mice with diet-induced obesity had higher body weight at six weeks of age. They also were more obese at the six- and 12-month study markers. In addition, the male offspring of obese fathers had different patterns of body fat composition -- a marker for health and propensity for disease -- than the control mice.
The researchers were surprised, however, to find that the offspring of the obese paternal mice also were more physically active. At six weeks, the male offspring voluntarily ran more, and their female siblings demonstrated the same behavior at six and 12 months, the scientists report. Nowak's team is studying possible causes for this behavior, which might offset the increased body fat and reduce the offspring's risk of metabolic disease such as diabetes and heart disease.
In the next phase of the research, the team will seek to identify the genes responsible for the physiological and behavioral changes. This, in turn, may inform clinicians about possible epigenetic factors in human obesity.
"Early detection and prediction of risk for obesity, diabetes and related diseases will enable individuals and health care workers to delay or prevent the related disabilities and increase life expectancy," Nowak said. The study was funded by the Ohio University Research Council and the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.
