[tsimionescu]

> Why shouldn't a billionaire be capable of starting a genetics lab to fund cancer research and pay for it in cash, if they are so inclined?

Well, why should they? What if instead of a genetics lab, they want to start a flat earth research center? Or a think tank to influence policy in their favor?

[gottorf]

Who instead should be capable of doing such a thing?

[tsimionescu]

Groups of many people working together. Historically, this has proven far less likely to produce bad results.

[u32480932048]

What exactly do you think a research lab or think tank is? A single-person effort?