Two UC Davis scientists were on the list when the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine last week awarded the first grants for human embryonic stem cell research as authorized by Proposition 71, a $3 billion bond measure approved by the state's voters in 2004.

The institute last week announced a first round of grants totaling about $45 million for 72 projects, selected from more than 200 proposals. UC Davis' successful proposals came from Professor Ebenezer Yamoah, who received $469,327, and A. Hari Reddi, who received $367,650, with both awards for two-year projects.

Hearing loss, damaged cartilage

Yamoah, who specializes in otolaryngology and neuroscience, is conducting research that has critical implications for rehabilitating severe cases of hearing loss. He is specifically looking at the differentiation of hair cells and spiral ganglion nerve cells, which are the primary cells that convert sound into electrical signals received and recognized by the brain. More than 50 percent of hearing loss in humans results from degeneration of hair cell and spiral ganglion nerve cells.

Reddi, a professor of orthopaedic surgery and director of the UC Davis Center for Tissue Regeneration and Repair, was awarded funding for research into how embryonic stem cells can be used to treat damaged cartilage.

'Step forward'

"These seed grants are an important step forward in our efforts to turn stem cells into new and better treatments for a variety of disorders that afflict so many patients," said Ann Bonham, executive associate dean for academic affairs.

The UC system garnered 32 of the grants announced Feb. 16, valued at $20 million. Stanford University took a dozen awards, valued at about $7.6 million, the most of any single institution.

Last year, the institute awarded UC Davis and 15 other institutions a total of $12.1 million to help train nearly 200 scientists in stem cell research. UC Davis' share is $2.6 million over a three-year period.

Charles Casey is a senior public information officer for the health system.