PNNL begins building an autonomous microbial research laboratory

PNNL has broken ground on the Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability, an expansion of its Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory planned to open in 2029. More than 100 connected instruments will automate microbial growth, sample preparation and analysis to link observable traits with cellular mechanisms. PNNL says researchers at universities, industry and national laboratories across the United States will be able to seek no-cost access through EMSL’s competitive proposal process once the facility opens.