CHAPEL HILL -- We're learning more about how researchers at UNC Chapel Hill are using the latest technology such as smartphones to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS. UNC's Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases and colleagues at Emory University have received an $18 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop mobile technology for HIV prevention and treatment.

Dr. Lisa Hightow-Weidman, a medical school professor, told UNC's Carolina Connection that it's a matter of taking the assistance to where the people are. "Most youth have access to phones, particularly smartphones as the cost has gone down, and most access the internet using their phones at this time. So for us, it's been a great way to reach youth who may not engage in prevention services or engage in health care by other means," she said.

People under the age of 30 account for the majority of new HIV infections in the U.S. and are more likely to use smartphones for accessing health information.