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."
Making It Through Grad School
November 27, 2009
The pressure exerted on graduate students is one of factors that contributes to grad students who "fudge or even fake data," writes Ms. PhD at YoungFemaleScientist. She then offers advice to try to counter that pressure. First, she says that grad students should do what their advisors ask, even when they think it won't work. However, she adds that when it is clear that that approach is not going to work, they should stop and then do what they think will work. "Most of the time, they will be overjoyed that you showed some independence and got the right answer. And if it's really a big deal, they'll claim is was their idea to do it your way all along," she writes.