In response to nationwide alerts that the invasive zebra mussel has been found in pet store moss balls, the UMGC and the MAISRC are working together to monitor Minnesota lakes by sequencing genetic markers found in the moss balls to compare with any future lake infestation.

Finding asymptomatic carriers reduces spread. An analysis published last month in JAMA Network Open estimated more than half of all COVID-19 transmission originates in people who don't know they are infected. The UMGC’s highly-automated lab is ideally suited to assist with asymptomatic assurance testing by pooling samples 5:1 to reduce the costs per test.

The Assurance Testing Alliance (ATA) connects laboratories with schools, elder care settings, employers, and other communities that need regular testing. Thus far, ATA member organizations have contracted with several laboratories to enable nationwide impact, including the Broad Institute, Guardant Health, and University of Minnesota's Genomics Center.