Programmes that exclusively encourage abstinence from sex do not seem to affect the risk of HIV infection in high income countries, finds a review of the evidence in this week’s BMJ.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis defends against stress, starvation and illnesses.
A new study shows "stunned" adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol secretion among alcoholic patients, reflecting changes in the HPA axis.