While most scientists have the fast computers and enormous databases necessary to analyze problems, many important research efforts in medicine and biology are limited by lack of data. This comes from an inability to carry out the vast number of experimental laboratory tests required. The problem is compounded by the fact that many outbreaks of disease occur in areas where suitable medical research facilities do not exist.

Scientists at UCLA have proposed a solution to close this "digital" vs "physical" gap by allowing researchers to manipulate physical matter, including biological and non-biological forms, remotely (moving, measuring, mixing, reacting, culturing, etc.). Such Internet accessible automated instruments would transform scientific and medical research by allowing medical and scientific personnel in one part of the world to direct test equipment to perform tests in research labs located elsewhere in the world and then remotely receive the resulting test data.

This new patented approach for the use of a new generation of Internet accessible automated instruments for mass customized-testing is being referred to as batch science via the Internet. Using existing world-wide access to the Internet, it describes a process of remotely accessing state-of-the-art machines to conduct scientific and medical investigations. This approach provides a method to accelerate the work on challenging scientific problems and multiply collaborations across local, national, and international boundaries.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 1997-537 (Related Cases: 1997-563 and 1997-564)

US Patent Number: 5,841,975