Cock Blocking

For years researchers have been working on microbicides that could help prevent the spread of HIV. Now, they may be one step closer as scientists at the University of Utah think they may have finally found a gel that actually works! The gel, which is being called a 'molecular condom' by bioengineering professor Patrick Kiser is inserted into the vagina prior to sex. When the gel comes in contact with semen it turns semi-solid and blocks HIV from entering vaginal cells. Doctoral candidate Julie Jay wanted to work on a vaginal gel because she realized socioeconomic issues and cultural norms make it hard for some women to negotiate safer sex.

Scientists are also hoping the gel can be used as a contraceptive; and eventually block the herpes and human papilloma virus (HPV) which is associated with cervical and other cancers. Talk about killing two birds with one stone -- gel in this case. Human trials are expected to begin in the next few years. The sociosexual implications of the gel -- if it works -- will be huge.

Click here to read more.

Trouble in Mind - DRC

Think you've got a lot to worry about? Try living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where there's an all out war raging against women & children.

"The disturbing stories that have come out of the Congo defy imagination: women and young girls being raped by militia men in front of their families; rape victims ranging from as young as six months to as old as 83 years; women and girls faced with unwanted pregnancies and raped intentionally by men known to have AIDS. There is also a devastating epidemic of women and girls whose vaginas and reproductive organs have been completely destroyed from being violated with guns, bottles and sticks, often resulting in a condition called fistula, a rupture that results in the uncontrollable leakage of urine and feces. The traumatized rape victims are then further stigmatized and ostracized by their families and communities."

Via: Alternet

How can you help this dire situation? Here are some resources that can make a difference:

• V-Day
• Heal Africa
• Healing Arts Africa

Countdown to 11/4 - #4 Your Vote is Your Voice

A few days ago I spoke with a friend who told me his father wasn't voting. When I asked why his father wasn't voting his response was "my dad isn't voting for anyone because neither candidate appeals to him." Also, his father cited the future of Israel as one reason he would not vote for Barack Obama. I found this to be somewhat perplexing and well, pretty prejudiced. So what if Obama was Muslim? He'd still be American; in his post he'd still have to put the country and its international relationships before his religion. How could his highly-educated, physician father make such a statement? Hadn't he read up on the issues and checked the facts?

Later, we got into a heated discussion about why people are voting in this election. Somehow my friend deduced that people who vote find one issue and stick to it. For most, voting is a complex issue; it's more than punching a hole, filling in a dot or flipping a lever based solely on one issue you care about.

I'm voting because:

• Every woman has the right to govern her own body.
• Unjust wars should not be fought on the taxpayer's dime; as corporations that deal in death profit off the blood of young men and women.
  
• All children deserve an education that is truly equal.
  
• Everyone deserves comprehensive health care.
• The country that spends the most on HIV/AIDS prevention in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and the Third World should have its own official HIV/AIDS agenda.
• Our retirement accounts and social security must stop be raided by greedy traders and government officials.
  
• The only Maverick I care to know was played by Tom Cruise in Top Gun.
  

Why are you voting?


Illustration: Hutch