Database tools for standardization & automation of eDNA workflows
We propose to bring in expertise from multiple USGS environmental DNA (eDNA) labs to create a database to track samples from initial collection through analysis and reporting and to long-term storage. We will publish this tracking template so it can be implemented within eDNA labs across the USGS.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has been shown to be extremely sensitive to species presence and has revolutionized species detection and monitoring. Analytical methods consist of sampling the environment (e.g., water, snow, air, soil), extracting DNA from these environmental samples, and assaying the extract to determine the presence of an organism (or an assemblage of species). The USGS Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory was purpose-built for eDNA research, with special considerations for handling low-copy/low-quality eDNA samples and provides study-design, sample processing, and reporting to support important decision making, such as ESA-listings. Accurate sample handling and timely analysis and reporting are crucial, yet complex. We propose to assemble expertise from multiple USGS eDNA laboratories to create a database to efficiently track samples from initial collection, through analysis and reporting, and finally, to long-term archive. We will publish this tracking template so it can be implemented in eDNA labs across the USGS.
We propose to bring in expertise from multiple USGS environmental DNA (eDNA) labs to create a database to track samples from initial collection through analysis and reporting and to long-term storage. We will publish this tracking template so it can be implemented within eDNA labs across the USGS.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has been shown to be extremely sensitive to species presence and has revolutionized species detection and monitoring. Analytical methods consist of sampling the environment (e.g., water, snow, air, soil), extracting DNA from these environmental samples, and assaying the extract to determine the presence of an organism (or an assemblage of species). The USGS Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory was purpose-built for eDNA research, with special considerations for handling low-copy/low-quality eDNA samples and provides study-design, sample processing, and reporting to support important decision making, such as ESA-listings. Accurate sample handling and timely analysis and reporting are crucial, yet complex. We propose to assemble expertise from multiple USGS eDNA laboratories to create a database to efficiently track samples from initial collection, through analysis and reporting, and finally, to long-term archive. We will publish this tracking template so it can be implemented in eDNA labs across the USGS.