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."
Med Techs — a ‘Top Job’ in Forbes’ Eyes — Saw ‘Narrow’ Salary Gains in ‘08
July 21, 2009
Med techs — designated a “top job” by Forbes — yielded a "narrow" 4-percent increase in salary last year, according to the business magazine.
But don’t get too bummed: Forbes, citing data from PayScale, a compensation data company, also reported that “many jobs have suffered severe pay cuts since July 1 of last year; wages for investment banking associates dropped by 30 percent to 40 percent.”
According to the article, entitled "The Hot Jobs Where Pay Is Rising In The Recession," “[a]t the top of the list, ranked by median salary: pharmacist. The median income for an experienced pharmacist as of July 1, 2009, is $110,000, up 2 percent from a year ago and 11 percent from three years ago.”