Scrips Florida project advances

Scripps Institute's project to open a major research center in Palm Beach gains momentum:

@ The Palm Beach County Commission voted to spend up to $200 million for the project
@ Key members of the Florida Legislature toured the Scripps Institute in San Diego, in an effort by Gov. Jeb Bush to land the political support needed to fund the new center. Besides Florida Atlantic University, the new project will likely benefit the University of Miami, according to Miami Herald:

The University of Miami, meanwhile, would get an opportunity to expand collaboration already underway on translational research, the process of turning scientific discoveries into practical medicines and treatments for patients, said Dr. Camillo Ricordi, senior associate dean for research at UM's School of Medicine and director of its Diabetes Research Institute.

''This is in line with the overall strategic plan of the National Institutes of Health, which has recognized as one of the major challenges in the next two decades how to translate the huge volume of information emerging from basic science into strategies to help people,'' Ricordi said. ``The establishment of Scripps in South Florida could create a tremendous opportunity to address this challenge.''

Scripps researchers have expressed interest in UM's expertise in the transplantation of insulin-producing eyelet cells, which offers hope to Type 1 diabetics. Scientists from both institutions are already working together with the NIH to create regional centers for the manufacture and production of eyelet cells, Ricordi said.

For updates: check the Palm Beach Post.