Health
In reply to the discussion: Science has lost its way, at a big cost to humanity [View all]AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)We know what causes Glaucoma and Alzheimer's. (Both are mis-folded proteins, and the two diseases are actually closely related. Glaucoma is basically Alzheimer's of the eye.)
The tricky part is in discovering a cure that is not worse or equal to the damage caused by the problem.
http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20120101160
Better understanding of the cause can at least help people make lifestyle changes that might prevent the disease arising, in some cases. (but not all)
Same with HIV. We can prevent transmission with certain behavioral changes. There are also trials for vaccines that can potentially halt new infections. An amazing landmark.
We know what causes a lot of things, but scientific discovery/medical science is a process, not a fixed destination.