  An interacting scalar field with largish coupling to curvature can support a
distinctive inflationary universe scenario. Previously this has been discussed
for the Standard Model Higgs field, treated classically or in a leading log
approximation. Here we investigate the quantum theory using renormalization
group methods. In this model the running of both the effective Planck mass and
the couplings is important. The cosmological predictions are consistent with
existing WMAP5 data, with 0.967 < n_s < 0.98 (for N_e = 60) and negligible
gravity waves. We find a relationship between the spectral index and the Higgs
mass that is sharply varying for m_h ~ 120-135 GeV (depending on the top mass);
in the future, that relationship could be tested against data from PLANCK and
LHC. We also comment briefly on how similar dynamics might arise in more
general settings, and discuss our assumptions from the effective field theory
point of view.
