To conduct research in any scientific area is big machines needed, which are not easily accessible for every1?

Question

I mean machines needed for research in scientific fields, do we require complex machines, which a middle class person may not be able to get it easily? For example, if a middle class person may want to conduct research on DNA details, will he be requiring heavy and sophisticated systems to conduct such 'experiments' or whatever? If he would be, will he have easy access to those machines? (Keeping in mind his financial status)?

Answer 1

It is not necessary to have complex machinery to conduct research in all fields of science. For example, most theoretical physicists do not use any machinery at all. Many behavioral biologists only require a camera and a notebook. Your question about financial status is an interesting one. Virtually all scientists preforming research are not using their own money or machinery. They rely on grants or government funding. To answer your example the current state of genetic research is such that it is necessary for advanced machinery for extraction and analysis. The best bet for your hypothetical person would be to look for a job in a established lab that already has the equipment necessary. However, I have on occasion heard of people with electron microscopes in their garages. Remember, most scientists are middle class as well.