40 turns is the maximum to research anything. Even if 'writing' would cost you a 1000 science beakers (points) and you only produce 1 you still will research it in 40 turns.
Writing for example btw is more expensive then the others you're able to do.
See what happens if you go for something else. Remember to set it back though or you will loose the beakers you have invested in writing so far.
Hope this helps, if not, ask more questions