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."
S. Brenner on C. elegans
July 03, 2009
Over at Flies & Bikes, GrumpyBob has a post on a perspectives piece from Sydney Brenner in the latest issue of Genetics. "This brief article ... presents an account of the origins of Caenorhabditis elegans research, by the beast's main man," the blogger writes. What he found most interesting was Brenner's view on how the culture of science has shifted in the last several decades. For one thing, Brenner writes, scientists back in the day spent much more time in discussions and social settings (such as morning coffee or afternoon tea); "it was only after dinner that the real work started and the lab then filled up with the owls," he says.