Words of warning

An academic who supported claims that HIV was not the cause of Aids has called on scientists who hold "minority" views to tread carefully. Udo Schuklenk, professor of bioethics and human rights at the University of Wi****ersrand in South Africa, said experts should only publicise their opinions if they make it clear that they have little support and are likely to be proved wrong. In an opinion article in the Journal of Medical Ethics, Professor Schuklenk, who now accepts the majority view on the causes of Aids, said: "Scientists should be aware of the social harm that can result from the premature proclamation of claims that are weakly founded."