Snag involving base using the latest science? (2-4)
I believe the answer is:
hi-tech
'using the latest science?' is the definition.
(using modern technology)
'snag involving base' is the wordplay.
'snag' becomes 'hitch' (synonyms).
'involving' indicates putting letters inside.
'base' becomes 'e' (Euler's number - base of natural logarithms).
'hitch' enclosing 'e' is 'HI-TECH'.
(Other definitions for hi-tech that I've seen before include "Advanced technology" , "Style of interior design using features of industrial equipment" , "Sophisticated electronics" , "latest devices" , "Involving the latest electronic gadgetry" .)