The origin of acquired immune deficiency syndrome: can science afford to ignore it?

There is a crisis of public faith in science and scientists. Recent researc h shows concern over scientific ethics, transparency and who benefits from research and development, exemplified in the genetically modified organism debate. Scientific discussion of the polio vaccine hypothesis for the origi n of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been systematically sup pressed for more than 12 years. The author calls for an international multi disciplinary inquiry into the origin of AIDS, arguing it is essential to hu man health, prevention of new pandemics, and to protect the integrity of sc ience in the eyes of the public.