In California, Millions Are Distributed for Stem-Cell Research

By Jeffrey Brainard

Pioneers of stem-cell research in California struck a mother lode on Wednesday when a state agency handed out a total of $271-million to 12 academic institutions to construct laboratories for the work.

The state money is the largest single chunk yet distributed from the $3-billion in bond revenue authorized by California voters in 2004 to help make the state the world's leader in stem-cell research.

The announcement appears to be a milestone in research: No