Analysis of the AIDS case data for the United States reported to the Centers for Disease Control reveals quite different risk group profiles for minorities and for whites. A much higher percentage of minority male AIDS cases are heterosexual, the ratio of bisexual to homosexual cases is two to three times higher, and IV needle use is a greater risk factor in minority populations. Among women and children with AIDS, 75% and 82% respectively are minorities. Whites at risk for AIDS tend to be concentrated in the gay community but blacks at risk for AIDS are dispersed throughout the entire community. As a result, AIDS education programs aimed a gay populations do not reach most of the minority populations at risk. AIDS prevention programs need to take this fact into account.
The current status of mathematical models of biological systems is reviewed. Advances in supercomputer hardware allows more complex models to be constructed. The new generation of microcomputers are quite adequate for many computer simulations of biological systems. A theory of modeling is being developed to improve the relationship between the real biological system and the model. Deterministic models, stochastic models and applications of control theory and optimization methods are discussed. Examples given include models of molecular structure, of experimental techniques, and of biochemical reactions. It is recommended that experimental biologists consider the use of microcomputers to model the system under study as a part of their research program.
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