A state research commission said Wednesday that it received 141 applications from commercial and nonprofit groups that are seeking funding to support stem-cell research. The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission's research fund has an annual budget of $12.4 million. Total requests for funding from applicants for fiscal 2010 surpassed $45 million, the commission said. The commission provides grants for research, including for scientists new to the stem-cell field, for those in the early phases of research and for postdoctoral fellows. Funding decisions are expected in May.

- Gus G. Sentementes