Political Science

Tree Hugger The wolverine is slated for protected status James Warwick/Getty Images

Over the past eight years, the rift between the scientific community and the federal agencies that govern it has deepened. What opportunities will President Barack Obama's administration have to bridge the divide?

Endangered Species

The Issue: 281 threatened species have not been given protection.
What Next? Let science, not politics, dictate policy. The new administration faces lawsuits asking it to review cases in which political interference may have played a role in withholding protection and critical habitat.

Space Exploration

The Issue: A grandiose 2015 moon mission has been given no money.
What Next? Fund the moon initiative or kill it outright. The Orion crew vehicle is behind schedule and over budget, which will probably push the space shuttle to continue flying even further past its retirement age.

Climate Change

The Issue: Carbon-dioxide levels are at 385 ppm, up from 360 in 2000.
What Next? Look for American participation in international negotiations over the Kyoto Protocol's successor, and for automobile fuel-economy standards to be raised.

Stem Cells

The Issue: Stem-cell research is hampered by a federal funding ban.
What Next? The new administration could end federal restrictions, opening up the coffers. Additionally, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative will continue to generate $300 million annually for 10 years.

Research Funding

The Issue: National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health budgets are in decline, stifling key research.
What Next? Anyone's guess. In the interim, private foundations could fund medical, energy and agricultural innovation.

Read more of Popular Science's predictions for 2009.