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."
Depends on Whether You Like Port
July 10, 2009
There is a wager between Lewis Wolpert and Rupert Sheldrake on the predictive value of the genome, to be decided on May 1, 2029. The winner gets a case of port. Wolpert, an embryologist at University College, London, says that by that date, researchers will be able to predict all the details and any abnormalities of an organism from the genome of the fertilized egg. Sheldrake, a parapsychologist, says that will not be possible. They further explain their views in the New Scientist.