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."
Prior Planning and All That
July 02, 2009
Victoria Aranda at Bitesize Bio makes a list of what you should do before running headlong into a project. First of all, she advises, "Never. Rush. The beginning. Ever." Take your time and really think about the project, especially considering the time commitment and techniques you will need. Then, she says, "read extensively and leisurely about all aspects of your future work, technical and conceptual, and start out up to date with the current knowledge." Also, Aranda says to ask for help and to always prepare for the worst.