Following a summer when the state called on UTMB to be one of Texas’ designated Ebola treatment centers, the medical branch is hoping that legislators will consider sending money for research Galveston’s way. The medical branch has asked the state to consider giving $8.55 million in special item funding. The money would be used to expand UTMB’s research on infectious diseases, particularly on a program that sounds like it’s out of science fiction. “It would focus on development of artificial organs and tissues that mimic human organs and allow us to test new drugs and new vaccines,” said Dr. Ben Raimer. "The money would also add to funding that is already given to the Galveston National Laboratory for infectious disease research." [Note: Paid subscription required. Contact UTMB Media Relations for details.]