The life sciences comprise the various scientific disciplines concerned with the study of living organisms, including biology, biochemistry, and physiology. Research in these disciplines can result in major improvements in human health, and has led to valuable breakthroughs in other fields. As there is significant existing funding for life sciences research, one of the key criteria for identifying projects to fund in this area is finding research areas that are unduly neglected. Examples of such areas include research into neglected diseases, aging research, and research into alternatives to animal products.