The 3-minute interview: Yuntao Wu
By: David Sherfinski
Examiner Staff Writer
July 10, 2009
Wu, of George Mason University, has spent the past six years decoding the molecular processes of the AIDS virus. For the second consecutive year, Wu has been selected as the beneficiary of proceeds from the NYC DC AIDS Research Ride, which will take place Sept. 10 to 13. The cyclists are riding from New York City to Washington, D.C., to raise $200,000 to help fund the next stage of Wu's research.
How did you get your start in science?
I got my P.hd. [in virology] in Ontario, Canada. I largely studied insect [viruses], and how they're like us. After four or five years, I wanted to see how the research could benefit people. That's why I changed to HIV research.
Can you talk a little bit about the D.C. area's problem with the disease? From what you're observed, why is this the case?
[D.C.] appears to have the highest infection rate among the big cities. There seems to be a good adaptation of the virus, and so a goal should be to have people tested frequently.
Can you talk about the bike ride? How important are events like this one to your research, and AIDS research in general?
These events are very, very important. If you really propose something new, you might not have a very good chance to get public funding right away. The bicycle ride will really benefit this research.
Will you be heading down the path as well?
I will be É it was very exciting last year. I think the money that came into my lab put us in a better position to convert testing [to animals].
Where do you think AIDS research will be 10, 20, 50 years down the line?
It used to be, scientists really didn't want to talk about a cure -- they saw it as impossible. The field was very pessimistic about finding a cure. There is the possibility; we just need to try new things.
- David Sherfiniski
