When they're activated by their target microbes, they not only call attack cells to fight the bacteria, but the HIV genes start making new copies of the virus. So even if there is no detectable AIDS virus free in the blood or lymph nodes, the infection can flare again if a latently infected T cell specific for any microbe gets activated. And we don't know when these infected T memory cells die or how long they can wait around before they get activated. Tens of thousands of Americans, many of them in the military, were given nasal radium treatments years ago, a treatment that may increase their risk of developing cancer and other medical problems today. One scientist's quest to bring this to light has finally led to government promises to investigate and help those affected.
Anxiety disorders can wreak havoc with family life, but help is available.
Molecular biologists at the University of Colorado have developed the first map of human chromosome 18, including genes associated with several forms of cancer. There's new evidence about the harm of second-hand smoke. In the near future, stitches for most wounds could be a thing of the past. Doctors find an adhesive closes wounds more quickly and helps them heal as well. Researchers identify a defect in heart cells that may explain why the muscle loses its ability to pump blood in people suffering from hypertension and perhaps other types of heart failure.