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."
There Must Be People Who Would Support Teaching Alchemy
April 29, 2008
The University of California, Irvine's evolutionary biologist and geneticist Francisco Ayala has a new book out called Darwin's Gift to Science and Religion -- and Jonathan Eisen is relieved that someone besides Francis Collins is discussing religion and science. In the New York Times, Ayala, a former Dominican priest from Spain, says he is surprised by the number of Americans who think that believing in evolution rules out believing in God. Ayala also dismisses teaching intelligent design or creationism alongside biology. "We don't teach alchemy along with chemistry," he says.