Human Genetic Variation Alters Anthrax Toxin Sensitivity
Martchenko, Candille et al., PNAS
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine show that genetic variation affecting capillary morphogenesis gene 2, or CMG2, dramatically alters toxin sensitivity in humans. In its analysis, the team reports on "a CMG2 single-nucleotide polymorphism occurring frequently in African and European populations [that they found] independently altered toxin uptake." The group goes on to suggest "testing of genomically characterized human cell populations may offer a broadly useful strategy for elucidating effects of genetic variation on infectious disease susceptibility."
After Figuring Out the Definition of "Is," They Now Tackle "Certified"
May 11, 2009
The US stimulus bill included a provision to fund hospitals and doctors to switch to electronic health records, though the language of the bill (PDF) says the funds will be for the "meaningful use of certified" electronic health record systems. The Wall Street Journal's Health Blog says that guidances should be coming soon on what the terms "meaningful use" and "certified" actually mean. "Meaningful use is very much on our mind," David Blumenthal, the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, says. "We hope to provide a direction and some specifications in the late spring, early summer."