Landmark gene therapy work raises hope of someday curing AIDS by making cells HIV-resistant

In a bold new approach ultimately aimed at trying to cure AIDS, scientists used genetic engineering in six patients to develop blood cells that are resistant to HIV, the virus that causes the disease.

It's far too early to know if this scientific first will prove to be a cure, or even a new treatment. The research was only meant to show that, so far, it seems feasible and safe.

The concept was based on the astonishing case of an AIDS patient who seems to be cured after getting blood cells from a donor with natural immunity to HIV nearly four years ago in Berlin. Researchers are seeking a more practical way to achieve similar immunity using patients' own blood cells.

Obama welcomes governors to White House

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama welcomed the nation's governors to the White House on Sunday night, joking that the black-tie dinner shared some of the qualities of the Academy Awards taking place in Hollywood.

"I know some of you may be confused and think this is the Oscars," Obama said to laughter. "There are some similarities. First of all, everybody looks spectacular. And the second is this: If I speak too long, the music will start playing."

Obama welcomed the governors - many of them newly elected Republicans who rode November's wave to power - and urged collaboration.

Small study finds differences in spinal fluid unique to chronic fatigue, chronic Lyme patients

Scientists have discovered proteins in spinal fluid that can distinguish people with two mysterious illnesses that mimic each other - chronic fatigue syndrome and a kind of chronic Lyme disease.

Wednesday's study is small and needs verification. But specialists called it a promising start at clearing some of the confusion surrounding two illnesses with similar symptoms and no good means of diagnosis.

"It's a very important first step," said Dr. Suzanne Vernon of the Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) Association of America.

Wells Fargo could face penalties on foreclosures

NEW YORK (AP) -- Wells Fargo & Co. says that it is being investigated by several government agencies for its foreclosure practices and is likely to face enforcement actions.

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday, the San Francisco based bank said the investigations focus on whether the bank violated fair-lending laws and whether it followed proper procedures with its foreclosure affidavits. The company noted that the enforcement actions could include monetary penalties.

Suspect in 21 killings indicted in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) -- A man accused of killing 21 people is among five people indicted on federal racketeering charges involving an organization that sold drugs in Puerto Rico, federal officials said Thursday.

The federal grand jury indictment of Alexis Candelario Santana accuses him of 21 homicides from 1993 to 2009, though it does not charge him with murder.

The five face 17 charges including violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a charge that is viewed as easier to prove because it targets behavior patterns instead of criminal acts.