Renowned University of Wisconsin stem cell scientist James Thomson is merging three university spin-off companies into a single entity charged with commercializing stem cell technology in drug research and testing. Cellular Dynamics, Stem Cell Products and iPS Cells are being joined into a new company named CDI, which is based in Madison, WI. This new company, which garnered $18 million in fresh venture backing, "intends to be the world leader in the industrialization of basic stem cell technology," says CEO Bob Palay. Report