New feature added with version 1.9.40.1
Unlike the "classic" research which only requires you to discover the first level of each technology to go to the next step, there you will have to research each level before being able to move on to the next.
There is a prerequisite at each stage of laboratory improvement. To pass the laboratory to level 5 all your buildings allowing you to create troops must also be level 5. The possibility of continuing your research will therefore also depend on the other buildings.
Look for even more technology. Upgrade your Plasma Lab to unlock even more advanced technologies and new troops.
The above table indicates how much each level will cost you to upgrade your institute.
Each Star has 5 Levels that needs to be upgraded and upgrades does consume plasma cores to upgrade.
Upgrading your building consumes
Credit: Teddy
Update: Mrs. Danger