(August 2005) These days, no idea or innovation can get off the ground without money, and scientific research is no exception. But unlike many commercial pursuits, research often does not produce lucrative rewards in the short term. Many research projects do not make marketable discoveries for years, sometimes even decades. And to make things even more financially difficult, many research projects require substantial investment prior to the actual research process in order to obtain proper resources and equipment. Because of this, the issue of funding becomes tricky business for many researchers. And it can become especially difficult to attract investors…