A Billion Dollar Boost

Life sciences in Massachusetts are in line for a major boost.

Governor Deval Patrick is expected to announce a proposal today for the state to borrow about $1 billion to fund stem cell and other biotech research at area universities.

Patrick will unveil the proposal this afternoon at the 25,000 participant BIO International biotechnology conference at the South Boston convention center.

To look at what the proposal could mean for Massachusetts, WBUR'S Bob Oakes turns to Brock Reeves, executive director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute.