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Head of the project, professor Robin E. Offord, and co-researcher Olivier Hartley, show test-tubes containing the molecule called PSC-Rantes, at the Medical center of the Geneva University, Friday, October 15, 2004, in Geneva, Switzerland. Researchers in Geneva have developed a new molecule which blocks the transmission of HIV, the virus that causes Aids, during sexual intercourse. What makes PSC-Rantes viable for use in humans is that it can be used as a microbicide, a substance that can be applied to the genital organs to prevent the virus from entering the body during sex. The microbicide could be used when the use of a condom is refused. (KEYSTONE/Martial Trezzini)