http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/hiv_and_aids/ HIV and AIDS information and facts. Read latest medical articles and view educational videos on AIDS and HIV symptoms and treatments. Stay informed about new developments on the AIDS/HIV front. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/hiv_and_aids/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152653.htm Antibodies that help to stop the HIV virus have been found in breast milk. Researchers have isolated the antibodies from immune cells called B cells in the breast milk of infected mothers in Malawi, and showed that the B cells in breast milk can generate neutralizing antibodies that may inhibit the virus that causes AIDS. Tue, 22 May 2012 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516174238.htm In the United States, where blacks bear a disproportionate burden of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, black religious institutions could help turn the tide. In a new study based on dozens of interviews and focus groups with 38 of Philadelphia's most influential black religious leaders, physicians and public health researchers find that traditional barriers to preaching about HIV prevention could give way to faith-friendly messages about getting tested and staying on treatment. Wed, 16 May 2012 17:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516174238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515165324.htm The US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the government's far-reaching health-care foreign aid program, has contributed to a significant decline in adult death rates from all causes in Africa, according to a new study. Tue, 15 May 2012 16:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515165324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm For the first time, scientists have transplanted brain cancer patients' own gene-modified blood stem cells in order to protect their bone marrow against the toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Initial results of the ongoing, small clinical trial of three patients with glioblastoma showed that two patients survived longer than predicted if they had not been given the transplants, and a third patient remains alive with no disease progression almost three years after treatment. Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507131953.htm A long-term follow-up analysis of participants in the Step Study, an international HIV-vaccine trial, has confirmed that certain subgroups of male study participants were at higher risk of becoming infected after receiving the experimental vaccine compared to those who received a placebo. The vaccine used in the study did not contain the HIV virus, but it did contain HIV genes which were delivered to cells using a vector that employed a type of cold virus known as adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5). Mon, 07 May 2012 13:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507131953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502144031.htm HIV patients treated with genetically modified T cells remain healthy up to 11 years after initial therapy, researchers report. The results provide a framework for the use of this type of gene therapy as a powerful weapon in the treatment of HIV, cancer, and a wide variety of other diseases. Wed, 02 May 2012 14:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502144031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm Researchers are a step closer to launching human clinical trials involving the use of an innovative stem cell therapy to fight the virus that causes AIDS. Wed, 02 May 2012 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm Scientists are reporting that the mucus lining the stomachs of pigs could be a long-sought, abundant source of "mucins" being considered for use as broad-spectrum anti-viral agents to supplement baby formula and for use in personal hygiene and other consumer products to protect against a range of viral infections. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424142253.htm Non-coding RNA -- molecules that do not translate into proteins -- were once considered unimportant "junk DNA" by researchers. Now researchers have discovered that when infected with a virus, ncRNA gives off signals that indicate the presence of an infectious agent, providing researchers with a new avenue to fight off infections. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424142253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162215.htm Preliminary data hint at how extracts from the tree, abundant in tropical and subtropical areas, may stop the virus from multiplying. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416185758.htm A once-a-day pill to help prevent HIV infection could significantly reduce the spread of AIDS, but only makes economic sense if used in select, high-risk groups, researchers conclude in a new study. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416185758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm Expanding on previous research providing proof-of-principle that human stem cells can be genetically engineered into HIV-fighting cells, a team of researchers have now demonstrated that these cells can actually attack HIV-infected cells in a living organism. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm Up until now the causes of the development of chronic lymphatic leukemia, the most common form of cancer of the blood in Europe, have been unknown. At present a cure is not possible. Medical researchers have now however discovered a lead on the origin of this disease. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210013.htm Researchers have gained important clues about immune system responses that could play a role in protecting people from HIV infection in follow-up studies from the world's largest HIV vaccine trial to date. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210003.htm Insights into how the first vaccine ever reported to modestly prevent HIV infection in people might have worked were recently published. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329225052.htm Women who have been infected by two different strains of HIV from two different sexual partners – a condition known as HIV superinfection – have more potent antibody responses that block the replication of the virus compared to women who’ve only been infected once. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329225052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320195252.htm Marijuana-like chemicals trigger receptors on human immune cells that can directly inhibit a type of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) found in late-stage AIDS, research suggests. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320195252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319163805.htm Chemists have produced the first high resolution structure of a molecule that when attached to the genetic material of the hepatitis C virus prevents it from reproducing. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319163805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314183348.htm A coalition of three health groups has released new guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. The guidelines generally advise a reduction in the number of tests women get over their lifetime to better ensure that they receive the benefits of testing while minimizing the harms. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314183348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308174929.htm Scientists have discovered that blocking PD-1, an immune molecule that inhibits the immune response to viral infections, can have a significant effect on HIV-like illness in non-human primates. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308174929.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308174809.htm Mutations in HIV that develop during the first few weeks of infection may play a critical role in undermining a successful early immune response, a finding that reveals the importance of vaccines targeting regions of the virus that are less likely to mutate. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308174809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308174710.htm Researchers have successfully flushed latent HIV infection from hiding, with a drug used to treat certain types of lymphoma. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308174710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308132510.htm Using human immune system cells in the lab, AIDS experts have figured out a way to kill off latent forms of HIV that hide in infected T cells long after antiretroviral therapy has successfully stalled viral replication to undetectable levels in blood tests. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308132510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307185131.htm Scientists have developed a vaccine that has protected nonhuman primates against multiple exposures to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) given in three clusters over more than three years. SIV is the nonhuman primate version of HIV. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307185131.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229140655.htm A drug once taken by people with HIV/AIDS but long ago shelved after newer, modern antiretroviral therapies became available has now shed light on how the human body uses its natural immunity to fight the virus—work that could help uncover new targets for drugs. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229140655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120226153507.htm Researchers report on a promising new technique that potentially could turn immune system killer T cells into more effective weapons against infections and possibly cancer. Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120226153507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120219143003.htm Using a mathematical formula that carefully measures the degree to which HIV infection of immune system cells is stalled by antiretroviral therapy, AIDS experts have calculated precisely how well dozens of such anti-HIV drugs work, alone or in any of 857 likely combinations, in suppressing the virus. Results of the team’s latest research reveal how some combinations work better than others at impeding viral replication, and keeping the disease in check. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120219143003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120217145623.htm Some 90 percent of people are exposed to the Epstein Barr virus at some point in their life. Even though it is quickly cleared from the body, the virus can linger silently for years in small numbers of infected B cells. According to researchers, the immune system subdues the virus by watching for a single viral protein called LMP1. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120217145623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120216095040.htm Researchers have made the discovery of a vaccine that will potentially help combat hepatitis C. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120216095040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215123702.htm Scientists have found a fundamentally new mechanism how our defense system is ramped up when facing a viral intruder. Exploitation of this mechanism in vaccines sparks new hope for better prevention and therapy of infectious diseases and cancer. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215123702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214134944.htm Tissue in monkeys infected with a close relative of HIV can ramp up production of a type of T cell that actually weakens the body's attack against the invading virus. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214134944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214134942.htm Chemists have created a molecule that's so good at tangling itself inside the double helix of a DNA sequence that it can stay there for up to 16 days before the DNA liberates itself, much longer than any other molecule reported. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214134942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214134940.htm Over their 3.8 billion years of evolution, living organisms have developed countless strategies for monitoring their surroundings. Chemists have adapted some of these strategies to improve the performance of DNA detectors. Their findings may aid efforts to build better medical diagnostics, such as improved HIV or cancer tests. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214134940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213134142.htm Scientists have tested a new 'therapeutic vaccine' against HIV on volunteers. The participants were 'so to say' vaccinated with their own cells. The immune system of the testees was better than before in attacking and suppressing the virus, the scientists have reported. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213134142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133704.htm One of the frustrations for scientists working on HIV/AIDS treatments has been the human immunodeficiency virus' ability to evade the body's immune system. Now a researcher has discovered a compound that could help put the immune system back in the hunt. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192737.htm A protein that protects some of our immune cells from the most common and virulent form of HIV works by starving the virus of the molecular building blocks that it needs to replicate. While researchers hope the work will one day lead to a way to make anti-HIV drugs more effective by increasing their potency against the virus, they're also excited about its implications for our knowledge of other pathogens, such as herpes viruses. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192555.htm A novel discovery reveals a mechanism by which the immune system tries to halt the spread of HIV. Harnessing this mechanism may open up new paths for therapeutic research aimed at slowing the virus’ progression to AIDS. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210104745.htm Drug researchers hunting for alternative ways to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections may soon have a novel target -- its camouflage coat. HIV hides inside a cloak unusually rich in a sugar called mannose, which it uses to slip past the immune system before infecting its host's cells. Recently, however, biochemists discovered a family of chemical compounds that stick strongly to mannose. Understanding how this mechanism works could reveal a way to make drugs adhere to and kill HIV. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210104745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092635.htm A new analysis demonstrates that confronting several diseases at once is a viable way to make the most of thinly stretched donor dollars and national health care budgets, and help save more lives. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203180903.htm Newly divorced middle aged women are more vulnerable to contract HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, according to new research, because they tend to let their guard down with new sexual partners and avoid using protection since they are not afraid of getting pregnant. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203180903.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127162751.htm How will you feel if you fail that test? Awful, really awful, you say. Then you fail the test and, yes, you feel bad -- but not as bad as you thought you would. This pattern holds for most people, research shows. The takeaway message: People are lousy at predicting their emotions. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127162751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123059.htm Using a combination of evolutionary biology and virology, scientists have traced the birth of the ability of some HIV-related viruses to defeat a newly discovered cellular-defense system in primates. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126101612.htm HIV-positive mothers have been able to guard against transmitting the disease to their babies by taking antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy. Although the drugs prevent children from being born with HIV, they could cause birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate. A new study explores any links between antiretroviral prophylaxis and cleft lip and palate. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126101612.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124113220.htm A saliva test used to diagnose the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is comparable in accuracy to the traditional blood test, according to a new study. The meta-analysis, which compared studies worldwide, showed that the saliva HIV test had the same accuracy as the blood test for high-risk populations. The study has major implications for countries that wish to adopt self-testing strategies for HIV. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124113220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123115523.htm A spoonful of medicine goes down a lot easier if there is a dog or cat around. Having pets is helpful for women living with HIV/AIDS and managing their chronic illness, according to a new study. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123115523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110192940.htm Eliminating new infant HIV infections in Zimbabwe will require not only improved access to antiretroviral medications but also support to help HIV-infected mothers continue taking their medication and safely reduce or eliminate breastfeeding, according to a new article. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110192940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106135846.htm For children with HIV infection, the FDA approval of the use of raltegravir, an antiretroviral drug that slows the spread of HIV infection, offers a new weapon to treat HIV infection in children. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106135846.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174808.htm New guidelines will help physicians better choose seizure drugs for people on HIV/AIDS medication, avoiding deadly drug interactions and preventing critical anti-HIV drugs from becoming less effective, possibly leading to a more virulent strain of the disease. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153733.htm Scientists have determined the structure of the enzyme endomannosidase, significantly advancing our understanding of how a group of devastating human viruses including HIV and Hepatitis C hijack human enzymes to reproduce and cause disease. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104134802.htm New vaccine research in monkeys suggests that scientists are homing in on the critical ingredients of a protective HIV vaccine and identifies new HIV vaccine candidates to test in human clinical trials. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104134802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135333.htm A woman's ovarian cycle plays a role in susceptibility to infection, according to new research. Specifically, researchers found women are most susceptible to infection, such as Candida albicans or other sexually transmitted diseases, during ovulation than at any other time during the reproductive cycle. This natural "dip" in immunity may be to allow spermatozoa to survive the threat of an immune response so it may fertilize an egg successfully. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223114126.htm The journal Science has chosen the HPTN 052 clinical trial, an international HIV prevention trial sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, as the 2011 Breakthrough of the Year. The study found that if HIV-infected heterosexual individuals begin taking antiretroviral medicines when their immune systems are relatively healthy as opposed to delaying therapy until the disease has advanced, they are 96 percent less likely to transmit the virus to their uninfected partners. Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223114126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140351.htm Scientists have identified how HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS -- hijacks the body's own defenses to promote infection. This discovery could one day help curb the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140349.htm In perhaps the most comprehensive survey of the inner workings of HIV, an international team of scientists led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco has mapped every apparent physical interaction the virus makes with components of the human cells it infects -- work that may reveal new ways to design future HIV/AIDS drugs. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214125850.htm Scientists have discovered new protein fragments in semen that enhance the ability of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, to infect new cells -- a discovery that one day could help curb the global spread of this deadly pathogen. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214125850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190237.htm Chronic infections by viruses such as HIV or hepatitis C eventually take hold because they wear the immune system out, a phenomenon immunologists describe as exhaustion. Yet exhausted immune cells can be revived after the introduction of fresh cells that act like coaches giving a pep talk, researchers have found. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173639.htm Scientists have found the 'key' that HIV uses to enter our cells' nuclei, allowing it to disable the immune system and cause AIDS. The finding provides a potential new target for anti-AIDS drugs that could be more effective against drug-resistant strains of the virus. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152406.htm A new weapon to prevent HIV infection, called pre-exposure prophylaxis, Because PrEP is based on the same drugs used to treat HIV-infected individuals, the big public health scare is that the dual use of these drugs will lead to skyrocketing levels of drug resistance. In fact, say researchers in a new study, that is not the case and indeed, the exact opposite is likely to happen. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131938.htm Mayo Clinic in Florida is now offering kidney and pancreas transplants to HIV positive patients with advanced kidney disease and diabetes. Evidence is now solid that HIV-positive patients have the same favorable outcome in terms of patient and allograft survival as non-HIV positive organ transplant recipients, say experts. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112643.htm People in Malawi who are uncertain about their HIV status are more eager to start families than those who are certain of their HIV status, according to researchers. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112643.htm