ALSO NOTED: Researchers testing stem cell therapy for CHF; Boehringer unveils new research center; and much more...

> Fifty-six of the nation's most creative biomedical scientists are being given the opportunity to tackle their most ambitious, risky research plans, as they become the newest class of Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigators. The Institute is committing more than $600 million over their first term of appointment. Report

> Researchers in Florida are beginning a small, early-stage human trial to test a new stem cell therapy for congestive heart failure. Stem cell report

> Germany's Boehringer Ingelheim has taken the wraps off its new, $36 million research center in Canada. About 40 scientists will be recruited to join the 150 researchers already at work at the center. Report

> Wisconsin is set to save $63 million on prescription drugs because it started buying directly--via a purchasing co-op--rather than paying HMOs to cover pharma costs. Report

> Daniel Vasella is riled. The Novartis CEO says its hometown officials are putting too much pressure on drug prices. Report

> Exploiting a competitor's weakness is a time-honored tradition in business, so it's probably no surprise that GlaxoSmithKline is injecting itself into the Chantix upheaval. GSK report

> It's easy to announce you're opening offices in China. It's not so easy to actually do it--especially when you're wrestling with Chinese red tape. That's what the FDA is discovering as it struggles to establish a presence in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. FDA report

And Finally... A strain of bird flu has adapted to create a new version which increases the chances of a human pandemic, according to CDC officials. Report