NeoStem and the Vatican partner on stem cell deal; Regeneron finds promise combining cancer drug with another;

Research Funding

> Debt-slashing fallout: Massachusetts universities and hospitals are lobbying to prevent the loss of more than $680 million in federal research funding in 2013, the Boston Globe reports. Story

Stem Cell Research

> Geron has abandoned its pioneering stem cell research program and laid off 66 people. Story

> The Vatican--yes, global headquarters of the Catholic church and home base of Pope Benedict XVI--has partnered with New York-based NeoStem to promote therapies involving adult stem cells. Story

> The European Union's highest court recently ruled that embryonic stem cells and products made from them aren't patentable under existing EU laws. The Institute on Religion and Public Life sees this as an ethical victory for stem cell research. Blog

Cancer/Genomics

> Ziopharm Oncology ($ZIOP) has generated encouraging results from a Phase 1b trial of a intravenous palifosfamide in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and other selected cancers. Release

> The drugs REGN910 and aflibercept used together heped prevent tumor growth in some early preclinical studies with mice. Regeneron and the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver conducted the research. Release

> Translational Genomics Research Institute will help support a clinical trial seeking to develop special medical treatments for children with the deadly cancer neuroblastoma. Dell is supporting the effort with $4 million in cash. Story

Research Training

> CBS's 60 Minutes higlighted, in part, how the UMBC college president has developed a formidable life sciences research program. Story