The recent launch in Bangkok of the first large-scale efficacy trial of a genetically engineered B/E candidate vaccine to combat AIDS and developed by the California-based company, VaxGen Inc, was welcomed by both Thai and foreign scientists. The trial, being conducted on 2,500 volunteers who are recovered intravenous drug users from rehabilitation centres, is being conducted by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and promises to answer a number of fundamental questions about HIV within three years.

Although a number of scientific and ethical concerns have been expressed, this test has generally been well received, as it is the first time that Thailand's predominant subtype E has been addressed by a foreign company.

VaxGen has developed this dual-subtype candidate vaccine especially for Thailand, with Thai scientists and their foreign counterparts working as equal partners. Blood samples are kept both in Thailand and the US whereas in the past, all weresent to foreign countries for testing and storage. A key scientific idea informs the concept behind VaxGen's candidate vaccine-the use of a genetically engineered outer envelope for the HIV virus, known as GP 120, to stimulate the body's immunity.

Of worms and climate change

EARTHWORMS first achieved celebrity status when their role in food compost and soil health was discovered. Surprisingly enough, scientists now believe that the next claim to fame for these little subterranean creatures is in their fecal droppings. Johann Zaller and John Arnone at the Universitaet Basel in Switzerland (now at Utah State University and the Desert Research Institute in Reno, respectively) conducted studies investigating plant responses to climate change in grassland ecosystems.

Their work has demonstrated a unique relationship between plant growth and earthworm castings under different levels of CO2. The rich earthworm castings, which are more abundant in nutrients than surrounding soils, are valuable resourcesfor plants. Zaller and Arnone discovered that plant species that grew in closer association with worm excrement displayed more growth under higher levels of CO2 than non-associated species.

No control over pesticide use

National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides of the US has said that state governments are not adequately protecting residents, workers and the public from pesticides used for structural pest control. A study released by Beyond Pesticides, the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides, evaluates state pesticide laws and provisions for basic information on pesticide use in residential buildings, workplaces and public indoor spaces including government, commercial, restaurants and health care facilities.

Twelve states have enacted laws that require public notification when pesticides are used in one or more type of building. Of these 12 states, different methods of pesticide use notification is required and, as a result, has contributed to a patchwork of very spottyand uneven protection across the country.

Barndoor skate endangered

THE Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) called on Commerce Secretary William Daley today to list the barndoor skate (Raja laevis) as an endangered species. In a petition filed under the Endangered Species Act, CMC says barndoor skates were abundant in the Northwest Atlantic 40 years ago, but today are gone from seven of the nine areas where they previously lived. A study published July 1998 in the journal Science found the barndoor skate is in danger of extinction due to incidental capture in the Northwest Atlantic fisheries for cod, redfish, and other bottomfish.

After receiving the petition, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) may take up to one year to review data to determine whether the barndoor skate should be proposed as endangered. If the listing is proposed, it may take up to another year to finalize that decision. There are now no federal or state measures regulating catch of barndoor skates, and NMFS hasclassified their status as "unknown."