How much did you pay for gasoline yesterday? The $4-plus-per-gallon price is finally beginning to siphon money from other parts of our home budget.

For a moment, forget air quality problems with gasoline and diesel. Just think about the cost. Wouldn't it be nice if there were some alternative?

A survey in Virigina this year showed nearly four in 10 people wanted a scientific breakthrough in fuel efficiency or an alternative fuel.

The number was surprisingly higher than those who wanted a medical breakthrough -- roughly three people in 10 wanted a leap in medical science.

How about you? Medicine or (cheaper) fuels? Give it some thought. Tell me what you think.