Three universities in Nebraska have received a total of $900,000 from the state to fund non-embryonic stem-cell research.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center will receive half the money for three separate projects, including a study of how non-embryonic stem cells might help people with Parkinson's disease.

Creighton University School of Medicine was awarded $300,000, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln received $150,000.

Non-embryonic stem-cell research doesn't usually generate research because embryos are not destroyed.

The money comes from Nebraska's cut of the national settlement with tobacco companies. The grants were authorized by a law passed by the Nebraska Legislature last year.