Wildlife Conservation Society to expand health surveillance through PREDICT Oct 24, 2009
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which moved from chimpanzees to people, and now infects more than 33 million individuals. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which emerged in 2003 from southern China "wet markets" where live wild animals are sold for food; and. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
UCD Aims To Prevent Global Pandemic Oct 24, 2009
"Those conditions enable the spread of microbes, especially viruses and bacteria, from animals to humans. Among the 1,461 pathogens recognized to cause diseases in humans, at least 60 percent are of animal origin.Notable outbreaks of these animal-to-human diseases, or zoonoses, include:The 1918 influenza pandemic, which was probably caused by a virus that jumped from birds, killed more than 50 million people globally. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which moved from chimpanzees to... (KCRA 3, CA)
Tips from the journals of the American Society for Microbiology Oct 24, 2009
T-Cell Vaccine Reduces Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Levels in Semen of Monkeys During Primary Infection. A new study reports that a vaccine-induced cellular immune response reduced simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) levels in the semen of rhesus monkeys during the period of primary infection, a discovery that may ultimately aid in the fight against HIV-1 transmission in humans ... T-cell vaccination reduces simian immunodeficiency virus levels in semen. (EurekAlert!)
Advancing marijuana-use attitudes Oct 23, 2009
Published clinical and preclinical trials have indicated benefits from marijuana use in treating Alzheimer s disease, chronic pain, diabetes, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorders, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hypertension, incontinence, staph infection, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea and Tourette s syndrome. ADVERTISEMENT. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Taking medicine for HIV proves hard to swallow for many people Oct 23, 2009
Highly active antiretroviral therapy has increased the longevity and quality of life for people living with human immunodeficiency virus. But it requires strict adherence in taking the medicine, something that is extremely difficult for many individuals to do. (EurekAlert!)
Scientists Glean Lessons from Stalled AIDS Vaccine Oct 22, 2009
The vaccine aimed to fight AIDS by encouraging so-called cell-mediated immunity, jump-starting T-cells to tackle the virus and stop or slow the progress of the human immunodeficiency virus. It used a weakened virus called adenovirus-5 as a "vector" to transport the vaccine into the body. (MEDLINEplus)
Data confirms 'modest' AIDS vaccine breakthrough Oct 21, 2009
2-percent reduction in the risk of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Thai and US researchers told an international conference. It marks the first piece of solid good news in the quest for a vaccine against AIDS, which has claimed more than 25 million lives since 1981 and left some 33 million people infected, a tally rising by around 7,400 new cases per day. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Flu vaccinations available at Rite Aid Oct 21, 2009
The CDC recommends that the following groups get vaccinated with the regular seasonal flu shot: anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with the regular seasonal flu or spreading flu to others, pregnant women, those age 6 months through age 18, people age 50 and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions like diabetes; heart, kidney or lung disease, asthma anemia or other blood disorders; those who are immunosuppressed (including immunosuppression caused... (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Research Shows Treating HIV-AIDS With Interleukin-2 Is Ineffective Oct 21, 2009
Dr. Jean-Pierre Routy is a physician in the Division of Hematology and Immunodeficiency at the MUHC as well as a researcher in the Infection and Immunity Axis at the Research Institute of the MUHC. He is also an Associate Professor of Hematology at McGill University and a senior clinical researcher with the Fonds de la recherche en sant; du Qu;bec (FRSQ). This study was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). (Science Daily)
SCID Kids Leading Healthy, Normal Lives 25 Years After 'Bubble Boy' Oct 14, 2009
Buckley, director of Duke's Immune Deficiency Foundation Center of Excellence for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases and a member of the Institute of Medicine, says the difference may lie in Duke's therapeutic approach ... 18, 2008) Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is an inherited disease sometimes known as "boy in the bubble syndrome," because the patient lacks one or more type of immune cell, making them very ... 28, 2005) Two new studies show that newborn screening for Severe Combined... (Science Daily)
Myriad Pharmaceuticals Announces the Identification of an IND Candidate for the Treatment of Cancer, Obesity, and Diabetes Oct 14, 2009
MPC-4326 (bevirimat dimeglumine) is Myriad Pharmaceuticals' investigational new drug being developed as an oral treatment of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection. MPC-4326 is a potent small-molecule that acts as a viral maturation inhibitor and is a first-in-class drug candidate with a novel mechanism of action. (Primezone Releases)
Nobel Prize in Medicine shared by three U.S. genetic researchers Oct 6, 2009
Last year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was shared by Harald zur Hausen for his work discovering the link between the HPV (the human papilloma virus) and cervical cancer and Francoise Barre Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier for their joint discovery of HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus). . (Scientific American)
Experimental Drug Lets B Cells Live And Lymphoma Cells Die Oct 5, 2009
8, 2005) In people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may prevent most excess cases of Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to a new. (Feb. (Science Daily)
Recent winners of the Nobel Prize in medicine Oct 5, 2009
2008: Harald zur Hausen and Francoise Barre-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier for discoveries of human papilloma viruses causing cervical cancer and the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus. 2007: Mario R. Capecchi and Oliver Smithies of the United States and Martin J. Evans of the United Kingdom, for their discoveries leading to a powerful technique for manipulating mouse genes. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
New Chemically-activated Antigen Could Expedite Development Of HIV Vaccine Oct 1, 2009
30, 2009) Scientists working to develop a vaccine for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) report they have created the first antigen that induces protective antibodies capable of blocking infection of human cells by genetically-diverse strains of HIV. The new antigen differs from previously-tested vaccines by virtue of its chemically-activated property that enables close sharing of electrons and produces strong covalent bonding ... That same year, nearly 3 million people became newly... (Science Daily)
Pregnant women more at risk for flu Sep 30, 2009
"The immunodeficiency that's conferred by the state of pregnancy clearly puts these individuals at risk for the complications, including death," warned Dr. Lopez. But here is another reason why doctors say it's important for mothers-to-be to be vaccinated. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Scientists join forces to explain HIV spread in Central and East Africa Sep 30, 2009
Writing in the September issue of AIDS, a research team led by scientists at the University of Florida explained why two subtypes of HIV-1 the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS held steady at relatively low levels for more than 50 years in west central Africa before erupting as an epidemic in east Africa in the 1970s. Essentially, the explanation for the HIV explosion obscured until now involves the relative ease with which people can travel from city to city... (EurekAlert!)
How HIV Cripples Immune Cells Sep 30, 2009
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has developed numerous strategies for eluding the body's defenses and the medications administered ... 2, 2008) Researchers have discovered how Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which causes AIDS, can hide itself in our cells and dodge the attention of our normal defenses. (Science Daily)
Eloise Giblett; research kept donated blood safe Sep 26, 2009
NEW YORK - Dr. Eloise R. Giblett, whose lifelong research on blood helped make transfusions safer and bone marrow transplants more likely to succeed and led to her discovery of the first recognized immunodeficiency disease, died Wednesday in Seattle ... He said Dr. Giblett had combined her expertise in blood serum proteins and enzymes of the red blood cells with a keen understanding of genetics to explore the underlying causes of blood cancer and immunodeficiency disorders ... Before the... (Boston Globe)
HIV vaccine: All you wanted to know Sep 25, 2009
For the first time ever, an AIDS vaccine protected people from infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, lowering the risk of infection by about 30 percent over three years. Here are some questions and answers about the study and AIDS vaccines. (India Times, India)
AIDS vaccine "important step" against disease Sep 25, 2009
Both Fauci and Kim noted that the vaccine was formulated specifically to work against two subtypes of the human immunodeficiency virus -- E, which circulates in Thailand and Southeast Asia, and B, common in the United States and Europe. The volunteers in the trial got six immunizations over six months, four with ALVAC and two with AIDSVAX.. (AlertNet)
Gammaglobulin Treatment For Alzheimer's Disease To Be Tested Sep 25, 2009
IGIV is traditionally used to treat primary immunodeficiency disorders, but is not currently approved for treating AD, which is one of the leading causes of dementia in the elderly. See also. (Science Daily)
NEW AIDS VACCINE Sep 24, 2009
Both also noted that the vaccine was formulated specifically to work against two subtypes of the human immunodeficiency virus -- E, which circulates in Thailand and Southeast Asia, and B, which is common in the United States and Europe. The 16,000 volunteers in the trial got six immunizations over six months -- four with ALVAC and two with AIDSVAX.. (AlertNet)
Ghana: Marriage is Nursery for HIV/Aids Sep 19, 2009
Accounts by women from low income backgrounds indicate that marriage has become "a high transmission" ground for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), according to a study commissioned by the Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre (GSHRDC). The researchers, sociologists Betty Akumatey and Akosua Adarkwah, report that more married women are contracting the HIV from their partners owing to one or more risk factors including domestic violence, status disclosure and widow... (allAfrica.com)
Intestinal parasitic infections in relation to HIV/AIDS status, diarrhea and CD4 T-cell count Sep 19, 2009
Immunodeficiency increased the risk of having opportunistic parasites and diarrhea. Therefore; raising patient immune status and screening at least for those treatable parasites is important. (BioMed Central)
The Many Causes Of Immune Deficiency Sep 18, 2009
Over the past few years, a European registry for primary (innate) immunodeficiency diseases (PID) has been compiled supported by several national registries ... Finally, boundaries between immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmune diseases are blurred, because a number of T cell and B cell deficiencies cause not only increased susceptibility to infection, but also autoimmune phenomena ... Such an integrated research and treatment Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) is currently being... (Science Daily)
What Happens When Immune Cells Just Won't Die? Sep 17, 2009
17, 2009) X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) is a rare inherited immunodeficiency most commonly caused by deficiency in the protein SAP. Following infection with the common virus that causes infectious mononucleosis (also known as mono or glandular fever), boys with XLP often develop an extreme, usually fatal, accumulation of activated immune cells known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes; but the mechanistic link between this and SAP deficiency has not been determined. See also. (Science Daily)
Cat Illnesses Sep 16, 2009
The three most serious viruses a cat can contract are feline leukemia virus, (FeLV,) feline infectious peritonitis, (FIP,) and feline immunodeficiency, (FIV.) Feline leukemia virus is the leading cause of cancer in cats and the #1 viral killer ... Feline immunodeficiency virus is similar to the HIV virus in humans. (Suite101.com)
Patients may have been exposed to viruses Sep 16, 2009
But The Derrick newspaper in nearby Oil City reported yesterday that "a failure to follow equipment sterilization guidelines" at the hospital resulted in "the notification of more than 100 surgical patients who may have been exposed to viruses as varied as hepatitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).". "Several reports indicate that an autoclave -- hospital equipment that sterilizes surgical and related instruments -- was heated at a level not set to ensure infection control," The Derrick... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Rite Aid offers regular seasonal flu shots Sep 16, 2009
Those who are immunosuppressed (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus). People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. (Reading Advocate, MA)
Tuberculosis-prevention Therapy Is Cost-effective Option, Researchers Find Sep 15, 2009
14, 2009) University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) researchers have found that the cost of preventive antibiotic tuberculosis (TB) therapy for patients infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is generally less expensive than the reported cost of treating newly confirmed TB cases ... "We completed this study to provide health-program managers cost and cost-effectiveness data on components of a comprehensive package of HIV care. This data is essential to help establish feasible and... (Science Daily)
U.S. Medicare may pay for HIV testing Sep 11, 2009
1 million Americans are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, that causes AIDS, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year an additional 56,000 are newly infected. (MSNBC -- Health)
Myriad Pharmaceuticals Announces Two Abstracts Selected for Presentation At 2009 ICAAC Annual Meeting Sep 11, 2009
Presentations will disclose new findings about MPC-4326, a Myriad Pharmaceuticals' drug candidate being developed as an oral treatment of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection ... MPC-4326 (bevirimat dimeglumine) is MPI's investigational new drug being developed as an oral treatment of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection. (Primezone Releases)
Virus Responsible For Deadly Brain Disease Found In MS Patients Treated With Natalizumab Sep 11, 2009
"This virus the JC virus, named for the initials of a patient is found in about 90 percent of the population," explains Igor Koralnik, MD, the study's senior author and director of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Neurology Center at BIDMC. "But in healthy individuals the virus lies dormant in the kidneys and causes no problems." Urine samples of healthy individuals may, therefore, show evidence of the benign virus. But, according to Koralnik, who is also Associate Professor of Neurology at... (Science Daily)
HK reports 98 HIV cases in second quarter Sep 9, 2009
HONG KONG, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong reported 98 cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in the second quarter of 2009, the Center for Health Protection of the Hong Kong government announced Tuesday. Of the 98 HIV cases, which comprised 80 males and 18 females, 20 acquired the infection via heterosexual contact, 35 via homosexual or bisexual contact, five through drug injection, one through blood/blood product infusion, one through mother-to-child transmission. (Xinhuanet, China)
Osterville woman rescues abandoned cats Sep 5, 2009
The captured cats are also vaccinated, treated for sickness, injuries, internal and external parasites, and tested for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency disease. I m working a junkyard in Taunton right now with over 50 cats, Doe said. (Yarmouth Register, MA)
Persistent Carriage of Hepatitis E Virus in Patients with HIV Infection Sep 3, 2009
1 We describe a 48-year-old bisexual white male who was infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and who had elevated liver enzymes and infection with hepatitis E virus for at least 24 months. He had received a diagnosis of HIV infection in 2001 and was treated for tuberculosis in 2003. (New England Journal of Medicine)
'Bubble' children treatment hope Sep 2, 2009
Chris HughanThe Primary Immunodeficiency Association ... Chris Hughan, chief executive of The Primary Immunodeficiency Association, said: "We welcome this important study as it heralds a potential breakthrough in the treatment of paediatric PID patients who need a bone marrow transplant (BMT) but have significant chronic infection or organ damage at the time. The new treatment "provides a viable alternative conditioning treatment for children unable to tolerate intensive transplant... (BBC News)
Spared chemo Sep 2, 2009
At three months, Great Ormond Street doctors diagnosed her with Omenn Syndrome, a severe immunodeficiency. Her mother Louise Moseley, from Pemborke Dock, Pembrokeshire, said: "All I heard was 'she needs a bone marrow transplant. It's a fatal condition'. Ffion was diagnosed with Omenn Syndrome at three months "It was a complete shock. (BBC News -- Health)
New Study Suggests An Unidentified Source As Cause Of Residual Viremia In HIV-1 Patients On HAART Aug 31, 2009
Analysis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Viremia and Provirus in Resting CD4 T Cells Reveals a Novel Source of Residual Viremia in Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy. Journal of Virology, 2009; 83 (17): 8470 DOI. (Science Daily)
FDA Approves Valcyte(R) (valganciclovir hydrochloride) to Prevent Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Disease in Pediatric Patients Who Receive Heart or Kidney Transplants Aug 31, 2009
Valcyte tablets are indicated for the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Valcyte is indicated for the prevention of CMV disease in kidney, heart, and kidney-pancreas transplant patients at high risk. (PR Newswire)
Strange cats' tale which leads to Germany Aug 29, 2009
" Mr Forgie said he did not know why the cats had been brought to Northern Ireland, but said the fact they had been micro-chipped indicated the owners "must have thought a good bit about them". He said tests had revealed one of the cats had the feline form of HIV - feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Maggie Bobby of the North-West Pet Rescue and Re-homing Centre has been helping in the bid to trace the cats' owners. "They are beautiful, the most lovely cats you could meet. If we can't find the... (BBC News -- UK)
AIDS spreading rapidly among Canada's aboriginals Aug 26, 2009
Intravenous drug use, especially among women, is the cause of more than half the infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which leads to AIDS. Canadian non-aboriginal infections are mostly linked to unsafe sex. Aboriginals with HIV infections also tend to be younger than other infected Canadians and more often women. (AlertNet)
Give flu vaccine to nurses, chronic sick first: EU experts Aug 26, 2009
"All persons from six months old with underlying chronic conditions (e.g. chronic respiratory diseases; chronic cardiovascular diseases and persons with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency)," should be vaccinated first, the experts from the 27 EU nations said in a written statement. Those with the most severe symptoms should be at the head of the queue, they added. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Malaysia successfully treat cartilage with stem cell Aug 21, 2009
Blood genetic disorders like thalassemias and immunodeficiency syndromes could be cured using stem cell too, added Liow. He said Malaysia would carry on with its stem cell research activities in view that stem cell transplant had held great promises for the treatment of many important diseases. (Xinhuanet, China)
Engineered Protein-like Molecule Protects Cells Against HIV Infection Aug 19, 2009
18, 2009) With the help of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and molecular engineering, researchers have designed synthetic protein-like mimics convincing enough to interrupt unwanted biological conversations between cells ... 3, 2009) French researchers are reporting the existence of a new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) derived from gorillas in a patient from the African country of ... (July 11, 2009) Researchers provide the as yet closest look at the structure of immature HIV... (Science Daily)
Mother's immune system may block fetal treatments for blood diseases Aug 17, 2009
That would include sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and some inherited immunodeficiency diseases. Currently such postnatal transplants are risky and relatively rare. (EurekAlert!)
Veterans to routinely be offered HIV tests Aug 17, 2009
Micronics, Inc., today announced that it has been awarded a phase 2, two-year Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) totaling approximately $770,000 to advance its rapid molecular diagnostic infectious disease platform for detection of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus 00003326 (HIV). The overall objective of the NIH grant is to determine... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
UN says 50 million women in Asia risk HIV Aug 12, 2009
"She brings a wealth of diverse experience and expertise President Clinton, Pfizer, and Mylan Announce New Agreements to Lower Prices of Medicines for Patients with Drug-Resistant HIV in Developing Countries President Bill Clinton announced two important and complementary agreements today to enable better, more affordable treatments for patients on second-line antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for HIV/AIDS in the developing world. For the first time, a second-line regimen of four ARVs will be... (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
UAB wins grant to continue AIDS research Aug 12, 2009
The National Institutes of Health renewed the grant to allow UAB to continue its work in the research, prevention and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. The grant enables investigators to focus, expand and pursue their research goals. They can explore new ideas through collaboration and shared resources available to center researchers and HIV teams, according to a news release. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
“Buck” Tressler II Memorial Ride Aug 10, 2009
Daily American - Buck Tressler II Memorial Ride. Motorcyclists, bicyclists and non-riders are invited to help support this fundraising event. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
An HIV-blocking gel for women Aug 10, 2009
"The first step in the complicated process of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection in a woman is the virus diffusing from semen to vaginal tissue. We want to stop that first step," says Patrick Kiser, an associate professor of bioengineering at the University of Utah's College of Engineering. "We have created the first vaginal gel designed to prevent movement of the AIDS virus. This is unique. There's nothing like it.". (EurekAlert!)
Best Herbs for CFS/ME Aug 10, 2009
See DM, Broumand N, Sahl L, et al. In vitro effects of echinacea and ginseng on natural killer and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in healthy subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. Immunopharmacology. (Suite101.com)
Yerkes researchers propose ambitious new strategies for AIDS vaccine research Aug 8, 2009
Based on studying simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) in African nonhuman primates, they propose an additional new approach to the AIDS vaccine research agenda in a commentary featured in the August issue of Nature Medicine ... SIVs are found exclusively in African nonhuman primate species and represent the original source of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV-1 and HIV-2). (EurekAlert!)
Federal Judge Sentences Defendants Who Perpetrated $10.9 Million Medicare Fraud HIV Infusion Scheme Aug 8, 2009
Trial evidence established that Russell, Pacheco and Milanes served as the medical staff for M&P Group of South Florida Inc. (M&P Group) and Tendercare Medical Center Inc. (Tendercare), which purported to specialize in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Russell was the medical director for both M&P Group and Tendercare during their operations. (PR Newswire)
Decoding Leukemia Patient Genome Leads Scientists To Mutations In Other Patients Aug 7, 2009
10, 2008) Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), sometimes called 'Boy in the bubble syndrome', is a genetic disorder in which the patient lacks most types of immune cell. Almost 10 years ago, two. (Science Daily)
Structure Of An Entire HIV Genome Decoded Aug 7, 2009
25, 2007) An essential component of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) molecular machinery responsible for infecting cells consists of functionally-specialized layers, according to a new study. The. (Science Daily)
Africa: New HIV Strain Discovered Aug 6, 2009
It differs from the three known strains of human immunodeficiency virus and appears to be closely related to a form of simian virus recently discovered in wild gorillas, researchers report in yesterday's edition of the journal Nature Medicine. The finding "highlights the continuing need to watch closely for the emergence for new HIV variants, particularly in western central Africa," said the researchers, led by Jean-Christophe Plantier of the University of Rouen, France. (allAfrica.com)
The source of malaria Aug 5, 2009
Nature Medicine carried a by Jean-Christophe Plantier of the University of Rouen and his colleagues of a new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) detected in a Cameroonian woman. Unlike the widespread HIV-1 M strain, and the much rarer N and O strains, which jumped to people from chimpanzees, the newly described P strain originated in gorillas. (The Economist)
Researchers ID new HIV strain from gorillas Aug 5, 2009
(CNN) -- French researchers have identified a new human immunodeficiency virus, the first derived from gorillas, a report said Monday ... She tested positive for HIV in 2004, and researchers led by Jean-Christophe Plantier identified the virus as being closely related to a recently discovered simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) ... HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which attacks the body's immune system, giving rise to lethal infections. (CNN -- Health)
Protein complex key in avoiding DNA repair mistakes, cancer Aug 5, 2009
Genetic variations related to the MRN complex also may be at the root of inherited immunodeficiency disorders, and to more mild symptoms of immunodeficiency that may affect greater numbers of people. Ferguson is also a co-author of a related study of Mre11 published online this week in Nature. (EurekAlert!)
Defaming the Innocent Aug 4, 2009
Statistics show that STDs, including the lethal Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the precursor to the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), are rapidly on the rise among 15-24-year-olds. Since people afflicted with HIV and AIDS are unjustifiably prone to and social stigma due to perceptions of the disease, falsely stating that a person is HIV positive, or has another STD, is defamatory. (Suite101.com)
From Gorilla To Human: A New Immunodeficiency Virus Found Aug 4, 2009
3, 2009) The existence of a new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) derived from gorillas is reported in this week s Nature Medicine ... The new virus is closely related to the known gorilla simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) ... "We have identified a new human immunodeficiency virus in a Cameroonian woman," the researchers write in their report. (Science Daily)
Scientists find new strain of HIV Aug 3, 2009
HIV originated from a similar virus in chimpanzees called Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV). There's no reason to believe this virus will present any new problems, as it were, that we don't already face. (BBC News)
HIV origin 'found in wild chimps' Aug 3, 2009
A virus called SIVcpz (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus from chimps) was thought to be the source, but had only been found in a few captive animals. Now, an international team of scientists has identified a natural reservoir of SIVcpz in animals living in the wild. (BBC News -- Health)