A new AIDS vaccine, consisting of a genetically altered form of cytomegalovirus, prevented infection in 13 of 24 monkeys exposed to simian immunodeficiency virus, the monkey version of HIV. The researchers behind the study believe the vaccine can effectively protect macaques against the monkey equivalent of HIV and provide a new approach for an HIV vaccine. As Gizmodo points out, “Monkey HIV isn’t HIV — and monkeys aren’t humans,” but the authors of the study said they’re hopeful that the research can “significantly contribute” to a human vaccine. Owing to the risks involved, however, the head researcher admitted, “I’m scratching my head at how to take this approach into humans.” [BBC via Gizmodo]
