The XVIII International AIDS Conference 2010 took place in Vienna, Austria, July 18–23. You may have seen or read about some exciting news about the state of HIV/AIDS prevention research. Here are some selected articles and video from the conference:

The results of the CAPRISA 004 Microbicide trial was presented on July 20. The trial involved using 1% Tenofovir vaginal microbicide gel. The results showed that when the gel was used before and after sex, HIV infection was reduced by 39%. If women used the gel more often, they were 54% less likely to contract HIV. Find out more about the CAPRISA trial: Video from IAC | CDC Press Release

Tenofovir was also the subject of a second study by CDC among men who have sex with men. This study measured the risk of using tenofovir as part of a pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection. This study was presented as a late breaking session at IAC on July 23. Find out more by reading the CDC Press Release.

On July 19, CDC released an analysis of showing 2.1% of heterosexuals living in high-poverty urban areas in the US are infected with HIV. The analysis showed “that poverty is the single most important demographic factor associated with HIV infection among inner-city heterosexuals.” Read more about this analysis here.

In related news, the journal Science published a report that US government scientists have discovered three powerful HIV antibodies in the cells of a 60-year-old African-American gay man. You can read more about this discover and the science behind developing a vaccine and antibodies in this Wall Street Journal article.