An AIDS Anniversary (broadcast Friday, May 9th, 2008)

In May of 1983, the first scientific papers were published describing the possible connection of a retrovirus with the development of AIDS. "A retrovirus belonging to the family of recently discovered human T-cell leukemia viruses, but clearly distinct from each previous isolate, has been isolated from a Caucasian patient with signs and symptoms that often precede the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)," researchers wrote in the journal Science. "The role of this virus in the etiology of AIDS remains to be determined."

The virus went on to become known as HIV. In this segment, Ira and guests talk about what researchers have learned in the 25 years since then about HIV and AIDS. Are scientists any closer to a cure for AIDS, or to a vaccine that could protect against HIV transmission? Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.