Discoveries by researchers at the University of Minnesota led to a record 12 startup companies in fiscal 2012, according to a news release. “The diverse range of disciplines represented in these 12 startup companies demonstrates what a valuable resource the University of Minnesota is to businesses in this state, and beyond," president Eric Kaler wrote.

A deal between the Vikings and the University of Minnesota would add about 3,000 seats to the Gophers' football stadium. The Vikings say that would at least allow them to fit their season ticket holders in the building if they wind up playing there while a new stadium is under construction.

In part three in a series investigating drug company's financial relationships with health care practitioners, the Pioneer Press looks into the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic, two big organizations that are getting a growing share of industry money. Both organizations use the money for research and training, and both have processes in place to root out possible conflicts of interest.