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Posted on Mon, Aug 17, 2009 : 12:57 p.m.

University of Michigan stem cell researchers target bone density

By Nathan Bomey

The University of Michigan's emphasis on stem cell research as a focal point of its life sciences activity is manifesting itself in early-stage scientific advancements.

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Gerard Doherty, chief of endocrine surgery for the U-M Health System, is leading a research team that has developed parathyroid cells using existing embryonic stem cell lines, Crain's Detroit Business is reporting. The research could be crucial to future drug therapies targeting bone density conditions.

U-M is in the midst of an expansion of its embryonic stem cell research operation. The university said in March that it would spend $5 million on the embryonic stem cell research initiative.

The university is likely to remain the center of the state's embryonic stem cell research capacity due to a dearth of funding for startup biotech companies.

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