Channel: MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute)

Category: Science & Technology

Tags: environmental sample processor (esp)espenvironmental sample processorenvironmental dnadna replicationtechnologyautonomousengineeringautonomous robotmbariscience and engineeringmarine biologygeneticsdna replication animationrobotics engineeringsciencefisheries managementedna

Description: Environmental DNA (eDNA) preserves a snapshot of an ecosystem in the genetic traces that animals, viruses, and microscopic organisms leave behind. But natural processes degrade eDNA, making it critical for scientists to collect samples consistently over time. MBARI researchers developed the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) to autonomously collect, preserve, and analyze eDNA in situ (.i.e. in the place where it occurs), drastically reducing the time and resources needed to study eDNA. This powerful tool allows us to take the lab to the most remote locations on our planet, tracking ecosystems as they change and move. Studying eDNA with ESP technology turns these biological leftovers into data that help us understand and protect our planet and the millions of species who call it home. Read more about eDNA and how MBARI researchers are using the ESP to monitor aquatic health on our interactive web page: mbari.co/eDNA Senior Producers: Heidi Cullen, Madison Pobis, Nancy Jacobsen Stout, Kyra Schlining, Susan von Thun (MBARI video team) Voice-over: Madison Pobis Animation: Frame 48 frame48.com A special thanks to Jim Birch and Kevan Yamahara for their thoughtful guidance in producing this animation. Check out MBARI for more: mbari.org Subscribe to MBARI’s newsletter here: mbari.co/newsletter Follow MBARI’s exploration and discoveries: Facebook: facebook.com/MBARInews​ Twitter: twitter.com/MBARI_News​ Instagram: instagram.com/mbari_news​ Tumblr: mbari-blog.tumblr.com​ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/monterey-bay-aquarium-research-institute-mbari- And now, TikTok: tiktok.com/@mbari_news