Which product design innovation in scientific equipment is credited with revolutionizing DNA research by reducing the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) process time from hours to minutes?

The design of laboratory equipment has evolved dramatically over the decades, with certain innovations fundamentally changing how scientists conduct research. These design breakthroughs have made experiments more precise, safer, and more accessible. This trivia question focuses on a pivotal product design moment in scientific equipment that transformed the industry and democratized certain types of research.

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The thermal cycler with Peltier-based heating/cooling (1986)
The automated gel electrophoresis system (1992)
The digital spectrophotometer (1980)
The automated pipetting robot (1990)