Seeing Adam Majmudar meticulously build his TinyGPU reminds me of my own experience with manual PCR in the lab. Back when I was working on molecular biology research, our lab faced a severe shortage of PCR machines—two had broken down, and two others were stuck in customs. In those desperate days, with no machine available, I decided to perform PCR manually using other temperature control devices in the lab.
The PCR process, after all, is just a repetitive cycle of changing temperatures between 95°C, 55°C, and 72°C, repeated 20-30 times. I realized that the temperature control in each step doesn’t have to be perfectly precise, especially since each stage only lasts seconds. During temperature transitions, the actual temperature never fully matches the preset values anyway. Although it took until 1 AM to mechanically repeat 30 cycles, my manual PCR was a success, even though the concentration was lower than what a PCR machine would produce.
In today’s world, we may have advanced equipment for cutting-edge semiconductor production and various tools to aid research. However, the hands-on process offers a unique opportunity to deeply understand the principles, bringing textbook knowledge to life. This hands-on experience is invaluable for beginners, providing a chance to grasp complex concepts from the ground up, and it can inspire similar exploratory practices.
For individuals, it’s crucial to stay curious. Pay attention to details, think deeply, and strive to understand the underlying principles. Don’t take existing tools and technologies for granted. By continuously learning and connecting the dots in our minds, we can activate our neural networks and spark innovation when the time comes.
