Science training at some secondary schools in Hong Kong and Shenzhen may get a strong boost through the acquisition of DNA analysis equipment.
The hi-tech gear will allow students to analyse DNA in human hair and genetically modified food.
St Paul's College, a direct-subsidy school, has bought a set of DNA analysis instruments known as the HybriMax DNA Teaching Laboratory, from its inventor, Hong Kong DNA, at a cost of $200,000.
The school's principal, Timothy Ha Wing-ho, hopes the hands-on experience provided by the equipment will encourage students to develop a greater interest in science.
'The few Chinese scientists who are Nobel laureates developed their interest in the field while they were in school. Being exposed to good teachers is also very important,' he said.
The same equipment is getting a trial run at a Shenzhen school, according to Joseph Tam Wing-on, the director of Hong Kong DNA.