Finding a Cure for HIV

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Recently, The Week had an interesting article on finding a cure for HIV:

Why scientists can't kill HIV

It mutates so quickly, it's hard to figure out what anchor a drug
or vaccine can latch onto

By Roxanne Palmer, World Science Festival | August 1, 2014

Humanity's war against the HIV has been a constantly shifting battle, thanks to the wily nature of the virus. But humans, being quite wily themselves, have persevered in the search for a cure despite setback after setback. Recently, scientists found a way to snip HIV's genetic code out from the genomes of infected cells. The technique's only been tried in cultured cells so far, but it could represent a powerful new weapon in the arsenal against AIDS.

But just what makes HIV such a formidable foe?

Read more...

amfAR

amfAR is America's first AIDS research foundation. According to their website: "In the course of its 25-year history, amfAR has invested more than $366 million in its programs, spawning numerous significant advances in HIV prevention, treatment and care. These accomplishments have helped extend, improve, and save the lives of countless people around the world living with HIV/AIDS or vulnerable to HIV infection."

Celebrity Kenneth Cole is a designer and supports amfAR. He joined the board in 1987 and became chairman in 2004. "It was really apparent that there was a looming dark cloud that needed a voice. ...I got involved and it changed me." Four of the six drugs that are used for people with HIV/AIDS have roots at one point in amfAR funding. "So, amfAR has had a very profound impact," Cole states.