– Researchers have finally settled a debate about how antiviral drugs block influenza A. In 2008, two papers came to opposing conclusions – one said that the drugs amantadine and rimantadine attached to a channel inside the viral envelope, while the other said that the drugs indirectly changed the channel’s structure. Now, a study using solid-state NMR spectroscopy definitively showed that the drugs attach within the channel, while excess drug binds outside. In science, you should never become too attached to an idea — or channel. (ScienceDaily)

— GlaxoSmithKline says it is moving on from research into pain and depression, instead planning to look at drugs for rare diseases, as well as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis (Bloomberg). Pfizer, on the other hand, reportedly plans to cut $3 billion from its research budget by 2012, relying on the promise of its Wyeth take-over and increased efficiency. (WSJ)

— Researchers found that overeating in mice leads to the activation of immune system molecule PKR, which then causes inflammation that blocks normal nutrient breakdown. The immune response led to insulin resistance and obesity among mice, and it may be a cause for related disease among humans.

— In a study of 54 patients with severe brain injury, four individuals deemed to be in a ‘vegetative state,’ as well as one minimally conscious, showed willful changes in brain activity during functional MRI scans. Of the vegetative patients, one was able to use activation patterns associated with thinking about tennis or his house to answer “yes” or “no” questions, respectively. (NYTimes)

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