— Bananas, already a beacon of safe sex practices, might have a new role in the fight against HIV. According to researchers, the fruit’s sugar-binding proteins called lectins, which attach to molecules on the outside of the HIV virus, are comparable to two current anti-HIV drugs in blocking the virus from infecting cells. Banana lectin (BanLec for short) would be cheaper to produce and less likely to create selection for resistance than existing meds, the study authors say.

— An animal rights activist has issued Freedom of Information requests to every university in Britain, asking for names of animal researchers and the species they study. Luke Steele, who was previously convicted of conspiracy for his disruption tactics, plans to use the information for targeted demonstrations next month. (Guardian)

— A new test for autism is three times more likely to find related genetic abnormalities than tests currently being used, according to researchers. So-called chromosomal microarray analysis could now be used a first-line test for children showing early symptoms of the disorder (LATimes). Autism genetics will also get more attention now after a US federal court ruled Friday against the claim that MMR vaccines containing thimerosal cause autism. (Reuters)

— The Medical Council of India has proposed a set of punishments for doctors who violate the ethics code it set out in December. The code takes issue with gifts from pharmaceutical companies, which could now yield published warnings and suspensions (Pharmalot). For more on the Medical Council’s efforts, read our story from the February issue of Nature Medicine.

Image by Steve Hopson via Flickr Creative Commons