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."
Just a Change Here and There
November 27, 2009
Nagendra Ningaraj, a former cancer researcher at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, is accused of tampering with data and images that appeared poster presentations and grant applications, says The Scientist. The Office of Research Integrity says that Ningarai swapped pictures of control and treated brain tumors and recycled old data as new data. According to The Scientist, Ningaraj, who is now at the Mercer University School of Medicine, has nether confirmed nor denied the allegations, though he has entered into a settlement agreement which prohibits him from partaking in research supported by the Public Health Service until the summer of 2012.