Re:A brilliant example of the value of pure resear (Score 1)

Not to detract from the important point Myco makes about encouraging pure research, unfortunately this is also an example of how scientists (encouraged by media exposure) tend to hype their discoveries very prematurely. The binding of radioactivity is pretty cool because that can be done in vitro. For viral inactivation one must realize that most viruses bind to protein molecules (usually receptors) on the surface of living cells and use them as a mechanism of entry into those cells. These receptors have a "normal" and often important function in the body that has nothing to do with viral entry. It is easy to imaging scenarios where the same compound that inactivates the virus will also inactivate the normal in vivo functions of the body, or the molecule is just generally toxic when administered. It is very irresponsible to give false hope to a group such as those who are HIV positive, desperately in need of new treatments. To secure continued grant support scientists often feel the need to over-hype discoveries. Stronger support for pure research without an obvious direct application might help alleviate some of that pressure on scientists and we might see more responsible press releases.