A new study conducted jointly by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and other institutions found that people who received up to $60 each over 12 months for staying free of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) had a lower prevalence of those infections after a year compared to those who did not receive payments. Th...
Researchers found that only 51% of HIV-exposed infants received nevirapine, a minimal dose needed to protect them from mother-to-child transmission. The study highlights the need to expand programs and improve monitoring to address programmatic failures and common problems in preventing mother-to-child transmission.
The International AIDS Society (IAS) has announced the winners of four prestigious scientific awards, recognizing innovative HIV and AIDS research. The Women, Girls and HIV Investigator Prize was awarded to Naina Rani for her work on mainstreaming the Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission program in India.
A new review of existing literature found that several factors influence willingness to receive an HIV vaccine, including misconceptions about vaccine efficacy and fear of side effects. To ensure a future HIV vaccine is acceptable, public education is crucial to address these concerns.
The International AIDS Society has awarded $3.4 million in grants to 10 early-stage researchers from diverse scientific disciplines, aiming to advance HIV understanding and prevention approaches. The grantees will collaborate with CFAR institutions to explore pressing scientific questions on long-term survival and HIV transmission.
The report identifies key gaps in current knowledge and proposes a multi-disciplinary research approach to support HIV-positive women's reproductive health. The recommendations aim to enhance their ability to achieve their desired family size and promote healthy services.
A new study found that a culturally specific intervention program based on the African concept of Eban increased condom use and reduced acts of unprotected sex among heterosexual African American couples with differing HIV status. The program aimed to improve communication, relationship health, and community respect.
The International AIDS Society and National Institute on Drug Abuse have awarded fellowships to seven young researchers from around the world to study the intersection of drug use and HIV. The recipients will receive US$75,000 each to pursue groundbreaking research in biology, epidemiology, public health, behavioral sciences, and more.
The Fogarty International Center of the NIH has awarded a five-year, $3.6 million grant to an international AIDS training and research program to continue training foreign researchers in developing countries. The program supports established research training programs in India, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Kenya, and will also focus ...
Increasing HAART treatment for people with HIV/AIDS lowers viral load, stops HIV progression, and prevents transmission. A comprehensive economic analysis shows expanding HAART coverage in British Columbia can deliver a net benefit of $900 million over 30 years.
Research suggests that ostriches' wing-use and hindlimb function may help reconstruct locomotor techniques in bipedal dinosaurs. The study found that ostriches efficiently channel aerodynamic forces during rapid breaking, turning, and zigzag manoeuvres.
Researchers at NPL have confirmed a definitive structure of an HIV protein, shedding light on its infection mechanism. This discovery may lead to better treatments for people affected by HIV.
A longitudinal study found that women in relationships with low equality had a higher incidence of HIV compared to those with medium or high relationship power, highlighting the importance of addressing gender-based abuse and inequity in preventing HIV infection.
A randomized trial found that trained nurses can safely and effectively manage antiretroviral treatment, similar to doctor-monitored care. The study adds evidence to the success of 'task-shifting' in HIV care, which could help ease healthcare worker shortages and expand access to ART for millions in need.
A recent study has found that women who use IUDs are less likely to become pregnant compared to those using hormone injections. The IUDs' longer duration and lack of hormonal effects also make them a preferred long-term option.
Researchers found that mortality rates were significantly lower among patients who received DOT from a nominated treatment supporter compared to self-monitored ART. The study suggests that social capital and emotional support provided by these supporters contributed to improved survival outcomes.
The study found that 40-60% of Americans living with HIV/AIDS are smokers, twice the rate in the general population. Researchers emphasize the need for effective interventions to help these individuals quit smoking.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have determined the structure of an immune system antibody molecule that effectively acts against most strains of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The study advances the effort to develop an AIDS vaccine by providing insights into how broadly neutralizing antibodies work.
A RAND Corporation study finds that faith-based organizations in Central America can play a crucial role in the HIV response by raising awareness and providing access to healthcare. Researchers recommend building on these groups' existing reach and influence to improve services and support for those affected by the disease.
Dr. Henry Gabelnick was awarded the lifetime achievement award at the 6th International Microbicides Conference for his dedication to developing microbicides. He has contributed significantly to the field through research on preclinical algorithms and primate models.
Charles Shagi, a community educator from Tanzania, received the second Omololu Falobi Award for Excellence in HIV Prevention Research Community Advocacy. His work empowers women and their communities to advocate for themselves and become partners in HIV prevention research trials.
A new national study found that more than 63,000 pediatric mobility aid-related injuries were treated in US emergency departments from 1991-2008. The majority of these injuries occurred at home and varied by the type of mobility aid used.
A new study has found that pregnancy doubles the risk of HIV transmission to men, with their risk increasing by double if their partner is both HIV-infected and pregnant. Researchers have also tested a vaginal microbicide in pregnant women, finding that it shows promise for preventing HIV transmission.
HIV-infected patients have altered balance between Th17 and Treg cells, leading to endless cycle of inflammation and viral persistence. Pharmacological inhibitors of IDO1 may lead to new therapeutic approaches for controlling HIV disease.
International Rectal Microbicide Advocates releases a comprehensive report outlining the growing field of rectal microbicide R&D, highlighting optimism among researchers and advocates. The organization calls for increased funding and diversity in the funding portfolio to support safe and effective rectal-specific products.
Despite progress in curing TB patients, the disease remains a major health threat due to poverty, poor diagnosis, and treatment. The Lancet launches the TB Observatory to monitor progress, increase funding, and promote international cooperation to combat TB.
A recent study found that frequent alcohol consumption is associated with a faster decline in CD4+ cell counts in individuals with HIV disease. The research, conducted over 30 months, suggests that alcohol has a direct impact on CD4 cells and accelerates immune system decline.
Novel vaccines targeting immune cells in the gut may improve patient compliance and vaccination rates, especially in developing countries. Powder-based vaccinations also show promise, with stable dry powder formulations stabilizing the TB vaccine.
New research identifies the source of 'noise' in HIV gene expression, finding that transcriptional bursting generates exceptionally high levels of noise. This finding suggests that latency may be fundamental to the HIV life cycle.
Researchers tracked monocytes in primates infected with simian immunodeficiency virus to find that increased turnover predicts rapid AIDS development and brain disease severity. The study identifies a marker, soluble CD163, exclusive to monocytes, which correlates with disease progression.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that most sexually active male teens receive inadequate HIV and STI counseling during doctor visits, even among those with high-risk behaviors. The study highlights the need for better counseling to minimize risky behaviors.
The latest data on maternal mortality show significant progress in reducing deaths in countries like China, Egypt, Ecuador, and Bolivia. However, unexpected increases were found in the US, Canada, and Denmark. The analysis revealed that the number of women dying from pregnancy-related causes has dropped by over 35% globally since 1980.
The global maternal mortality ratio declined from 422 in 1980 to 320 in 1990 and 251 in 2008, with developing countries making significant progress. The study found that HIV accounts for nearly one out of every five maternal deaths, with six countries accounting for more than half of all maternal deaths.
Researchers at the IRCM discovered a way to counteract HIV-1's interference with Tetherin, a host protein that prevents viral transmission. The Vpu protein neutralizes Tetherin, allowing HIV-1 to spread and infect cells more easily. This finding could lead to the development of new strategies to combat HIV-1.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new mechanism by which HIV infects women, exploiting the breakdown of the mucosal barrier in the intestinal and female genital tract. This breakthrough understanding could lead to the development of more effective prevention strategies, such as microbicides and vaccines.
A study found that teens with a history of crack or cocaine use are six times more likely to engage in unprotected sex, putting them at increased risk for HIV. The researchers suggest that crack cocaine appears to have a significant influence on risky teen behaviors.
Researchers have found that regulatory T cells slow down the immune response too soon, limiting vaccine effectiveness. By removing these cells, they discovered a two-fold increase in immune response to HIV vaccine.
A UCSF study found that delivering HIV prevention services to people living with HIV in clinical settings can sharply reduce their sexual risk behaviors. The intervention, led by medical care providers during routine visits, resulted in a consistent decline in risky behavior over the 12-month study period.
The Positive Prevention Toolkit aims to enable HIV/AIDS caregivers to provide prevention messages when interacting with HIV-positive patients. The toolkit consists of seven sections, including training skills, curricula, and practical resources.
Dr. H. Hunter Handsfield is a leading researcher in STD prevention, recognized for his work on asymptomatic gonorrhea, chlamydia screening, and expedited partner therapy. He has made significant contributions to understanding the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prevention of various STDs.
Researchers found that single-dose nevirapine can trigger resistance to AIDS-drug cocktail, but this resistance fades after 12 months. Women who need treatment within a year of using nevirapine for HIV prevention can use standard ART regimens.
Researchers at UCLA successfully removed CCR5 receptor, which HIV binds to, from human immune cells using a gene-based approach. This strategy shows promise for treating HIV-infected individuals by reducing the virus's ability to infect cells.
The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) awarded John Greenspan the 2010 Distinguished Scientist Award for his groundbreaking research on HIV and its impact on oral health. Greenspan is a renowned expert in the field of oral pathology, having made significant contributions to the development of AIDS research.
Researchers aim to improve contraceptive use and reduce unintended pregnancies among HIV-positive women in Kenya. The study, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will evaluate an integrated model of HIV care and family planning services.
A study of 58 Ukrainian children with and without HIV found that family care was better for children's physical growth and cognitive performance than institutional care. The quality of the relationship between caregivers and children had a significant impact on their development.
Researchers have developed a broad-spectrum antiviral compound that can stop a wide range of highly dangerous viruses, including those causing HIV, Ebola, and hepatitis C. The compound works by altering the lipid envelope of enveloped viruses, making them unable to fuse with host cells.
Researchers have grown a crystal that reveals the structure of integrase, an enzyme found in HIV, and how it interacts with antiretroviral drugs. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for HIV by understanding how existing drugs work and how to improve them.
Researchers have developed a new compound, EFdA, that is 60,000 times more potent than current HIV therapies and can protect cells for longer periods. This compound has the potential to be used in vaginal gels or creams as an alternative preventative strategy for women whose partners refuse to use condoms.
Researchers found HIV reduces brain blood flow even among young patients, accelerating the aging process. Blood flow in HIV brains is comparable to that of uninfected individuals 15-20 years older.
Researchers found that PrEP prevented rectal and intravenous HIV transmission in humanized mice with 90% protection rate. The study suggests PrEP can block multiple routes of HIV transmission, providing a promising approach to prevent new infections.
Researchers detect Plasmodium falciparum and two new species of malaria parasites in gorillas, complicating efforts to eradicate the disease. The findings could aid vaccine development and further understanding of infectious disease transmission from animals to humans.
Researchers found that higher antiretroviral therapy adherence was associated with lower direct health care costs for HIV-infected adults in South Africa. This decrease in costs is largely attributed to reduced hospital use, saving a median monthly health care cost of $85 per patient.
Researchers found that the immune system produces early-stage B cells with potent HIV-blocking antibodies but eliminates them before they mature. This 'catch-22' prevents the production of these protective antibodies, hindering vaccine development.
Researchers have found that infectious HIV-1 virus particles can bind to the surface of red blood cells, significantly increasing their infectivity. This discovery suggests that erythrocytes may serve as a hidden reservoir for infectious HIV-1 virions.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University developed a promising AIDS vaccine using a rabies virus-based strategy, inducing neutralizing antibodies and CD8+ T cell responses in monkeys. The study showed that the vaccine protected against disease and elicited significant antibody activity against SIV.
UCSF researchers found that offering rapid HIV tests to patients in community health centers significantly increases the number of patients screened for HIV. The study saw a nearly three-fold increase in screenings from 3,000 to over 11,000 patients.
Researchers from UCLA demonstrate that human blood stem cells can be engineered into cells that target and kill HIV-infected cells. This approach, similar to a genetic vaccine, could be effective against other chronic viral diseases. The study provides proof-of-principle for using this strategy in the human body.
A new study released on World AIDS Day found that viral failure was twice as likely among patients given Epzicom when compared to those treated with Truvada, especially in those starting therapy with high viral loads. The study also showed a shorter time to virologic failure and adverse events for patients taking Truvada.
A new study found that a moderate level of acceptability for an HIV vaccine exists, but high-risk communities may not automatically accept it. The key factors influencing acceptance are efficacy, side effects, and cost. Education is also crucial to ensure the public trusts the vaccine.
A team of researchers has created a mouse model with key features of HIV infection, shedding light on the disease's mechanisms. The mouse exhibits symptoms similar to those of immunodeficiency virus infection, but with notable differences that highlight its limitations as a model for human disease.