Another Aids Teaser

France's Pasteur Institute touts a breakthrough that could lead to a treatment -- or disappointment

Research on aids is like a relentless pendulum that swings between great expectations and great disappointment. Every time there's a hint of a breakthrough in the so far futile quest for a cure, the press blares it to the world, raising the hopes of AIDS sufferers. Almost every time, however, the initial excitement gives way to doubts, criticism, caveats and, eventually, renewed despair. And when rival scientists, competing to boost their reputations, as well as help humanity, disagree about the validity of a "breakthrough," no one knows whom or what to believe.

The AIDS pendulum took another big swing last week,...

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