Tuesday 27 March 2012

Are they on the Y chromosome?

The title gag is just too easy to make regarding this article "Gene flaw linked to serious Flu risk"

The actual paper is quite interesting though as it provides evidence for why some people are more susceptible to flu (and other viruses) than others. The interferon-inducible transmembrane protein, IFTIM, ("catchy" name) This kind of work is useful in that it can highlight "at risk" people for vaccines in much the same way that asthma sufferers are on a priority list. It also shows how it may not be just bad luck that some people seem to be ill more often than not and these kind of studies are likely to only increase the awareness that our genetic background is a vital factor in disease resistance.

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