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

Dynamic Motion of HIV As It Readies an Attack: Seen in Real Time, For the First Time 

Technologies that allow investigators, for the first time, to watch what they call the 'dance' of HIV proteins on the virus' surface, which may contribute to how the virus infects human immune cells, have been developed by scientists. The new technology platform opens new possibilities for devising an approach to prevent HIV infection, note researchers

Researchers Pinpoint Origin of HIV Pandemic 

A group of researchers from Oxford University and the University of Leuven say they have pinpointed the place where HIV was first transmitted between humans, sparking a pandemic that would go on to touch some 75 million people in every corner of the globe. Through statistical analysis, the group determined that HIV is "almost certain" to have begun its spread from Kinshasa, now the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, sometime around 1920.

Treatment

Effective Treatments Available for HIV Patients Not Eligible for Efavirenz Regimens 

A new national clinical trial found HIV drug regimens that do not include efavirenz are effective as first-line antiretroviral therapy. The finding is important for patients who are not eligible for treatment with efavirenz, including women considering becoming pregnant and patients with a history of severe psychiatric disorders.

Vaccines

Clinical Trial Evaluates Heterologous Prime/Boost Regimens in Preventative HIV Vaccination 

HIV-1 vaccine development has been challenging but recent clinical trials have been promising.

Miscellaneous

Computers Turned into Powerful Allies in Fight Against AIDS 

The battle against AIDS cannot be won in the laboratory alone. To fight the potentially deadly virus that 34 million people are suffering from we need help from computers. Now research turns computers into powerful allies in the battle.

Georgia Has a New HIV/AIDS Online Portal 

ATLANTA (AP) - Health officials in Georgia have launched an online clearinghouse for information related to HIV/AIDS in the state.

Heroin Overdose Deaths Increased in Many States Through 2012 

Still twice as many people died from prescription opioid overdoses.

Raven-Symoné: 'I'm an American, I'm Not an African-American' 

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey on "Where Are They Now?" Raven-Symoné made clear that she doesn't "want to be labeled as gay," but rather as a "human who loves humans." Raven-Symoné, the star perhaps best known for her role on "The Cosby Show," who appeared to quietly come out last August, says she's tired of labels, adding, "I'm an American, I'm not an African-American," pointing out that an "American is a colorless person." 

Supreme Court Delivers Tacit Win to Gay Marriage 

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday let stand appeals court rulings allowing same-sex marriage in five states, a major surprise that could signal the inevitability of the right of same-sex marriage nationwide.

Walmart to End Health Coverage for 30,000 Part-Time Workers 

Walmart Stores, the world's largest retailer and the nation's largest private employer, said on Tuesday that it would terminate health insurance coverage for about 30,000 part-time workers, joining a string of retailers that have rolled back benefits in response to the Affordable Care Act.