Austin American Statesman, March 4, 2007 AUSTIN - Boosting academic-related medical research and medical education in Central Texas could yield $1.5 billion in annual economic activity, according to preliminary findings of a study funded by the Seton Family of Hospitals. Such an expansion could produce $708 million in education-related spending and spin-off economic development in the life sciences, with the ripple effect through the local economy totaling $1.5 billion and 14,370 permanent jobs, according to the study by Jon Hockenyos of Texas Perspectives Inc., a local economic research firm. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has been expanding its doctor training and other programs at the city-owned, Seton-operated Brackenridge Hospital. The Dell Pediatric Research Institute, part of the University of Texas, is under construction at the former Mueller airport site.