http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9191848/Universal-cancer-vaccine-developed.html Sounds like it's the most promising thing yet. Still needs to be be a lot of evaluation. Looks like we might prevent cancer even before nanotech! RAMA
This is the most promising one I've seen. It's hard to keep such news contained even though there is still a lot of testing to be done.
Actually, a cure for cancer would be really great to have before nanotech, because nanomaterials are inherently extremely carcinogenic. If you were to pour a tube of nanoparticles on to your hand and shake it around a bit it would appear to dissolve into your hand, causing untold amounts of cellular damage along the way. They fall through cell walls like they weren't there and can shred DNA. Nanoparticles easily aersolize and may not break down in the environment. This is extremely toxic material. Personally, I think it could be worse than nuclear radiation. Radioisotopes have half-lives. Buckyballs? We don't even know. I wouldn't say avoid them, they are the catalyst for a materials revolution, but treat them with severe respect. They have severe hazards.
... when your lab hasn't produced anything newsworthy in eight months and you suddenly find yourself short on cash.