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."
A Bright and Shiny Future -- Wait, No
September 19, 2007
Over on Aetiology, Tara Smith discusses the future of graduate students and post-docs – it is not looking so bright. She quotes a recent Chronicle of Higher Education article that says that the long training time, job shortages in academia, and the daunting competition for research grants is a bit of a turn-off. Smith says this isn't new but that suggestions to expose students to other options outside academia aren't usually implemented. One of her commenters notes that "non-academic employment [is not] a consolation prize."