Harvard Medical School

Feb. 22, 2008

In Print

Liza Green, HMS Media Services

With Proton Channel Structure, Flu Fighters Record Hit Against Infection
In the first of its kind study using nuclear magnetic resonance, James Chou (left) and Jason Schnell have captured a detailed snapshot of the crucial pore in common influenza A that allows virus particles to infect and spread in people. The molecular structure shows how the channel may open and close. It also reveals an unexpected mechanism of drug activity. A family of antiviral drugs became virtually useless several years ago because of mutations in the protein columns that form the channel. Researchers hope the findings will lead to better drugs.

Upcoming

Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study

Origins of Life: The Earth, the Solar System, and Beyond

Friday, March 7
9–4:30 p.m.

•Barbara Grosz
•Dimitar Sasselov
•Lucy Ziurys
•Martin Schoonen
•Donna Blackmond
•Gerald Joyce
•David Catling
•Scott McLennan
•Sara Seager
•Ann Pearson

Strategic Planning

B.D. Colen/ADIOL

Consensus Developing on Broad Goals in School Strategic Plan
HMS dean Jeffrey Flier is leading the current Strategic Planning Process, which focuses on the School’s technology infrastructure, commitment to the social sciences, and connections to other Harvard schools. The effort is also picking up questions left unresolved in the HMS curriculum reform initiative.

Spotlight

HUSEC Creates Seed Fund for Cross-faculty Collaboration
The Harvard University Science and Engineering Committee (HUSEC) is accepting proposals in a new seed funding program. Its goal is to support collaborative interactions between faculty members that promote research or educational projects at the interface of two or more scientific disciplines.