December 2007 in science

Other events in December 2007
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• Olm
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• Baby Gender Mentor

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[edit] Events in science and technology

An asteroid, designated 2007 WD5, is discovered to have a 1-in-75 chance to impact the planet Mars. Future updates to the observed orbit are expected to change these odds over the next weeks. (Times)

Through the discretion of the President of ISMCBBPR (International Society for Molecular and Cell Biology and Biotechnology Protocols and Researches, Inc.), Isidro T. Savillo, the Molecule of the Year 2007 is the PKD2L1.(USB Microscope Cameras)

The protein-protein interaction between mutated Ras and Raf has been shown to prevent a cell from turning one switch off, leading to the uncontrolled cell growth of cancer. (PhysOrg)
Researchers found that computer programs commonly used to scan DNA missed 29 to 61 percent of regulatory DNA. (ScienceDaily)
Physicists complete the first quantum calculation – finding the prime factors of 15 – as a proof of concept to show if more complicated quantum computers are made cryptography based on large primes would be vulnerable. (PhysOrg)

After another try to launch Space Shuttle Atlantis is scrubbed due to persistent problems with fuel sensors, NASA decides to reschedule STS-122 for January 2008. (Reuters)

The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis is delayed due to faulty sensor in the external tank. (BBCNews)
A study on Chikungunya published in Public Library of Science journal PLoS Pathogens reports a mutation that allows the virus to spread to new regions via the Aedes albopictus mosquito. (Reuters)

The NRU reactor at the Chalk River Laboratories, Canada, is shutdown for a longer period than expected, resulting in the loss of about 2/3 of the world's production capacity for medical radioisotopes. (CCTV) (Reuters)