A Molecular Condom Against AIDS
Microbicides are seen as a way for women to gain power by protecting themselves from HlV,
particularly in impoverished nations where AIDS is widespread, where rape is rampant or where conventional condoms are taboo, not reliably available or where men resist using them.
(Adapted from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases2006/12/061212091937.htm)
Now something for you to think about and comment on...
Information: How is the molecular condom different from and similar to a normal male condom, in terms of function?
Implication/Consequence: If this molecular condom proves to be effective, how can it help prevent the spread of AIDS from women to their next generation, thereby reducing the number of AIDS cases over time?
Perspective: How does using the molecular condom empower women "particularly in impoverished nations where AIDS is widespread, where rape is rampant or where conventional condoms are taboo, not reliably available or where men resist using them"? Does using the molecular condom protect them from actual rape cases and the associated psychological trauma?
Assumption: How can we be sure that the women the molecular condom is especially targeted for know how to use it, and will use it? Who gives them access to the molecular condom, and who will educate them on its use?
A group of scientists from University of Utah have designed a "molecular condom" that women could use to prevent AIDS. This involves inserting a liquid into the vagina, where it would turn into a gel-like coating and then, when exposed to semen, return to liquid form and release an anti-viral drug.
The molecular condom is part of a worldwide research effort to develop "microbicides" -- drug-delivery systems such as gels, rings, sponges or creams to prevent infection by the human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Microbicides are seen as a way for women to gain power by protecting themselves from HlV,
particularly in impoverished nations where AIDS is widespread, where rape is rampant or where conventional condoms are taboo, not reliably available or where men resist using them.
About 16 microbicides are in development and five are undergoing testing in thousands of women, mostly in Africa. They are designed to fight HIV infection by preventing the virus from entering cells or dividing, or by maintaining acidic vaginal conditions. No first-generation microbicide has been approved yet for widespread use.
"The ultimate hope for this technology, is to protect women and their unborn or nursing children from the AIDS virus, but the molecular condom is five years away from tests in humans and roughly 10 years until it might be in widespread use," says Patrick Kiser, an assistant professor of bioengineering. On 11 Dec 2006, Kiser and his colleagues have published their study online, in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
(Adapted from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases2006/12/061212091937.htm)
Now something for you to think about and comment on...
Information: How is the molecular condom different from and similar to a normal male condom, in terms of function?
Implication/Consequence: If this molecular condom proves to be effective, how can it help prevent the spread of AIDS from women to their next generation, thereby reducing the number of AIDS cases over time?
Perspective: How does using the molecular condom empower women "particularly in impoverished nations where AIDS is widespread, where rape is rampant or where conventional condoms are taboo, not reliably available or where men resist using them"? Does using the molecular condom protect them from actual rape cases and the associated psychological trauma?
Assumption: How can we be sure that the women the molecular condom is especially targeted for know how to use it, and will use it? Who gives them access to the molecular condom, and who will educate them on its use?
And to test your comprehension and thinking...
Which of the following cannot be inferred from the passage above?
A For development of new technologies, time and size of scale are required for trial and improvements.
B Teamwork and perseverance are important for doing scientific research.
C Communication of experimental results is part of research.
D Science can solve all problems to improve our environment.
No comments:
Post a Comment