Why not see domestic scientific research instruments?

Instruments are necessary tools for scientific research. They not only automate operating procedures, but some of them are not instruments. A large part of domestic research funding is used to buy high-end foreign instruments. For example, a 454 high-throughput sequencer costs half a million dollars. Similar expensive instruments are everywhere. But why is there very few original biotechnological instruments in China?

The instrument must first have the need. For example, a very simple electrophoresis apparatus, if no one thought of using electrophoresis to separate charged macromolecules, there would be no birth of this instrument. The need for R&D tools stems from scientists wanting to look more closely at what they are interested in (nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides, even cells, chromosomes, tissues, etc.), classify them in more detail, or do faster and repeat work on their hands. Better sex, more efficient, and cheaper prices.

Can Chinese scientists not see such demand? I don't think so. What is the reason for the lack of original instrument development?

There are probably three reasons for this analysis: (1) Lack of exploration of original experimental methods; (2) Lack of communication between scientists and engineers and formation of suitable team opportunities; and (3) Lack of incentives.

Chinese scientists are relatively good at comprehensive induction, but the more detailed distinction is weaker. This kind of demanding practice is likely to make the demand for new instruments dull. In fact, the original spirit of Chinese scientists is very strong. For example, Lu Zuhong Laboratory of Southeast University has a lot of very clever experimental designs and instrument prototypes (such as cap chips, etc.). However, why is there not enough stamina to eventually develop the instrument?

Whether a demanding scientist can team up with an experienced engineer is also one of the keys to instrument development. The concept of "units" in China's scientific research institutes and colleges and universities is very strong. There are few fast-paced co-operation among departments and units. As a result, the "Made in China" miracle does not translate into the development of original instruments. Copying other people's instruments is fast, and original R&D cannot be done.

In the United States, there are many opportunities for horizontal cooperation because both scientists and engineers are actively looking for such opportunities. For example, I was often invited to give lectures to completely unrelated engineering conferences. Engineers often came to me and talked with them to see if their skills could be used in the biological field. Jeff, the engineer in charge of developing the iCubate technology platform, "find it" to me. To develop the instrument, we must first "think", and then we must take the initiative to find cooperation opportunities and find suitable personnel. Of course, before this, we must first create opportunities to make cooperation successful.

Successful cooperation requires money. Just like the "dream team" of the US professional basketball team, the combination of a perfect scientist and engineer requires a lot of investment. Money is used to buy time and buy market opportunities. But where to find money? Is it the first time to find money or to find someone? If there is not a large amount of up-front investment, once the instrument is developed, it can get considerable returns from the market is also an effective way to encourage everyone to cooperate. Whether it is money first or money later, there must always be a reasonable reward. This incentive method depends more on the government in China, and on the market in the United States.

There is no original desire, no mechanism to form the best team, no economic support, it is difficult to develop original instruments. The development of instruments requires, first and foremost, leaders who can bring scientists and engineers together, who need to be familiar with the market, need experience, and have a good mechanism. Not all experiments are worthwhile to develop instruments for it, to see the importance of science, but also to see market demand. It must also tolerate failure and give the loser a chance to try again.

The most important thing, the first thing to realize, is to "think". The heart does not want to, hard to accomplish.