What do people think about technological enhancements of human beings? An introductory study using the Technological Enhancements Questionnaire in the context of values, the scientistic worldview, and the accepted versions of humanism.

Background: Rapid development of technologies increases the possibility of technological enhancements of human beings, e.g., in their cognitive skills or physical fitness.

Lime juice as a candidate microbicide? An open-label safety trial of 10% and 20% lime juice used vaginally.

Objective: Lime has a long history as a contraceptive and vaginal hygiene douche, and ongoing use in Africa is documented. We report on the first safety study on diluted lime juice to assess its potential as a candidate microbicide.

Methods: Twenty-five sexually abstinent women were randomly assigned to apply a 10% or 20% concentration of lime juice or 0% (water-only) through a soaked tampon once daily for 14 consecutive days.

Bangkok: the end of broken promises? XV International AIDS Conference, 2004.

The global community has again failed to significantly confront the AIDS crisis. In the context of a worsening HIV pandemic, the conference highlighted the shortfall in funding, the soaring infection rate in Asia, the need to integrate prevention and treatment and the difficulties in coordinating a global response. To overcome AIDS, the global community must put aside ideology and honour its commitments.