Researchers Would Benefit Immensely From A Scientific `Consumer Reports'

Have you ever wished that you had quality comparison information on a scientific product before buying it? I certainly have, and so have many of my colleagues. If I want to buy a vacuum cleaner for my home, I can go to Consumer Reports for a clear and concise summary of the models on the market, how they are rated in unbiased trials, and a cost comparison. Scientists, unfortunately, have no such luxury. When we purchase a centrifuge or a power supply, we make our choice based on price, produ

Written bySherry Leonard

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If I want to buy a vacuum cleaner for my home, I can go to Consumer Reports for a clear and concise summary of the models on the market, how they are rated in unbiased trials, and a cost comparison. Scientists, unfortunately, have no such luxury. When we purchase a centrifuge or a power supply, we make our choice based on price, product reputation, and, more frequently, what our friend down the hall uses. Is this a wise way to spend the tax dollars allocated for equipment and supplies in scientific research? I think not.

A product evaluation service for scientists is sorely needed. The competition in the industry is keen, and products are many times rushed to market before they are thoroughly tested on all the biological systems for which the particular product will be used. And it is not only equipment that needs to be evaluated. Today there ...

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