Daring inventions are making up for lack of funds in laboratories and hospitals in developing nations.

In this article in the British Medical Journal, Josefina Coloma and Eva Harris show how a lack of lack of resources in some countries has promoted ingenious solutions to common problems facing biomedical researchers. Bolivian researcher Nataniel Mamani, for instance, used a plastic jar and inner tube to create a washer for reusable plastic pipette tips. Another innovator made a microcentrifuge out of a blender and an aluminium bowl.

Political and economic difficulties continue to thwart scientific progress in many developing countries. Yet technological creativity and an ability to 'make do' on very little —which often makes for admirable frugality in the lab — ensure many continue to produce quality results.

Link to full article in the British Medical Journal

Reference: British Medical Journal 329, 1160 (2004)