The National Cancer Institute wants to give out $17.5 million to scientists studying the biggest unanswered questions about cancer. To figure out what those unsolved mysteries are, NCI director Harold Varmus pooled ideas from researchers, eventually developing a master list of 24 "provocative questions." The NCI is now inviting researchers to apply for some of that grant money--but scientists are only eligible for part of the pot if they promise to specifically address one of the 24 questions.
Some of these unanswered questions (or PQs, as the Cancer Institute has catchily dubbed them) are old, neglected mysteries. Others are based on newer observations. And some are questions that we haven't had the technology to address in the past, but that seem more attainable today.
Eight of the most provocative questions are below, rephrased by me but numbered so you can find their original language if you'd like. All 24 original ...
