It is possible to abuse Diplomacy and Research points provided you can afford the item in the menu and are able to click fast enough The diplomacy office offers 3 options. Clicking one option then very quickly clicking on one or both of the other two will result in you being able to purchase all 3 options. You'll end up having negative diplomacy points by doing this. Clicking the same option several times won't actual do anything though However, the same isn't quiet true with the laboratory. Just like the diplomacy office you can spend more points than you have but, clicking the same option will result in you being able to research whatever would have appeared behind what you clicked. It is entirely possible to research the "no research available" option.
