Inside there are just three stainless-steel ball bearings, housed in anodized aluminum bar stock.

FORBES

Thousands of genes stick to each ball, and the combination is loaded into a "gene gun"--two small stainless-steel chambers and a vacuum pump--that uses compressed helium.

FORBES: Millions Served

Thousands of genes stick to each ball, and the combination is loaded into a "gene gun, " which consists of two small stainless steel chambers and a vacuum pump.

FORBES: Millions Served