Funding for the majority of federal science and technology programs in the United States has declined or remained flat during the past seven years. And dont assume that will change with the next administration. Politicians simply dont know jack about science and technology, says former Congressman John Porter, a moderate Republican from Illinois. In fact, fewer than 3 percent of our Congressional representatives have any science background. By comparison, 8 out 9 top officials in China are scientists.

This January, news that South Korean scientist Hwang Woo Suk fabricated research on cloned human stem cells brought more negative attention to an already controversial field. Hwang´s work had been believed to be a breakthrough. His technique for cloning embryonic stem cells genetically matched to patients might have been used by scientists worldwide to cure disease.

While some scientists are looking to the future, trying to push the human body beyond its natural limits, others are fighting the same old scourges we’ve always faced. Here, an update on five particularly stubborn ailments and promising research avenues that might finally lead to cures.

CANCER
What goes wrong When DNA is dam-