November 17, 2008 Woods Hole lab gets $25M facelift Play video

(NECN: Brad Puffer, Woods Hole, Mass.) - Despite a tough economy, Massachusetts is still investing in its life sciences community. Today, Governor Deval Patrick announced a $10 million grant for marine laboratory dating back to 1888, with another $15 million given by a nonprofit organization.

The Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole is often on the edge of cutting research. Now, this laboratory will get a $25 million facelift thanks to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Massachusetts life sciences initiative.

Governor Deval Patrick:

"It is another example of a partnership we are trying to build around the life science to encourage the economy to encourage the future of healing."

Governor Deval Patrick saw first hand where the study of sea life can make an impact on human life. This year's Nobel Prize winner in chemistry is just one example. In the 1960s, Osuma Shimomura discovered a jellyfish protein that glows in the dark and is now used to track once-invisible human brain cells.

Senate President Therese Murray:

"Scientist and researchers from around the world come here and its critical we have facilities to match reputation in scientific community."

Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister, MA Life Sciences Center:

"Great science that will save and improve lives and that is absolutely the bookend objectives of the life sciences act."

The MBL says this is not just about improving labs for the 450 students

"We are really training the next generation of scientist "

Joshua Hamilton is the chief scientific officer at MBL. He says the research here can lead to some surprising discoveries. Part of the renovations will include space for a new regenerative medicine center.

"Marine organism can regenerate scars and grow new body part and the question is they can do it why cant we do it."

Training human cells to do the same could lead to some very futuristic but very real benefits. All in a small coastal community in Woods Hole that is now a key partner with the state.