A cross-section of articles we've read this week about HIV/AIDS, STIs and a wide cross-section of structural and systemic factors impacting HIV/AIDS in Black communities.

Science

Coral Reefs Produce HIV-Blocking Proteins Offering Potential Barriers for Use in Lubricants and Gels 

Scientists from the National Cancer Institute have discovered a protein found in sea coral that could potentially be used as a barrier for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) transmission in sexual lubricants and gels.

Long-Term Exposure to Protease Inhibitors May Increase Diabetes Risk in HIV 

In patients with HIV infection, the use of protease inhibitor regimens for an extended period, may increase the risk for diabetes, according to recent findings.

Low Cholesterol in Immune Cells Tied to Slow Progression of HIV 

People infected with HIV whose immune cells have low cholesterol levels experience much slower disease progression, even without medication, according research that could lead to new strategies to control infection. The researchers found that low cholesterol in certain cells, which is likely an inherited trait, affects the ability of the body to transmit the virus to other cells.

Scripps Research Institute Scientists Find New Point of Attack on HIV for Vaccine Development 

A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) working with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) has discovered a new vulnerable site on the HIV virus. The newly identified site can be attacked by human antibodies in a way that neutralizes the infectivity of a wide variety of HIV strains.

Treatment

Cancer Vaccine Proves Effective in H.I.V. Patients 

Vaccines against cervical cancer work well even in sexually active women with H.I.V., a new study has found. It also found that women who already have one or two strains of the cancer-causing virus can be protected against others.

Miscellaneous

CDC Updates Term for 'Unprotected Sex' 

In a move praised by HIV/AIDS activists and educators, organizational leadership, and medical researchers, officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have agreed to stop using the term "unprotected sex" to mean "sex without condoms."

Confronting HIV/AIDS at UMMS: From First Cases to 'Functional Cure' 

Panel of clinical experts discuss their roles in the history of the disease.

Health Law's Pay Policy Is Skewed, Panel Finds 

WASHINGTON - Federal policies to reward high-quality health care are unfairly penalizing doctors and hospitals that treat large numbers of poor people, according to a new report commissioned by the Obama administration that recommends sweeping changes in payment policy.

HIV Evolution Traced in North America 

A study tracing the evolution of HIV in North America involving researchers at Simon Fraser University has found evidence that the virus is slowly adapting over time to its human hosts. However, this change is so gradual that it is unlikely to have an impact on vaccine design.

The HIVHealthReform.org 'Speak Up' Project 

HIVHealthReform.org, a website that educates the HIV/AIDS community about the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. the health care reform law, or ACA), has launched a new initiative to help people living with the virus get the care they need.

HUD Awards $29 Million to 26 Local HIV-AIDS Housing Programs 

Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at risk for homelessness.

Laverne Cox's Exclusion from Time 100 Angers Fans 

If ever there was a time and place to recognize the achievements of the first trans woman of color to land a leading role on a hit show, it seems like it would be Time's annual list of the world's 100 most influential people. So why was "Orange is the New Black" star Laverne Cox - who has been a major media presence and vocal advocate for the LGBT community since the show's premiere - left out.