Researchers from MBARI and the US Geological Survey (USGS) recently published a paper showing several ways that MBARI's Environmental Sample Processors (ESPs) can be used to monitor the health of rivers. The ESPs, which are essentially robotic laboratories, were used to collect and preserve samples of water from the Yellowstone and Snake Rivers. By analyzing "environmental DNA" in the river water, the researchers were able to detect introduced and invasive animals as well as microbes that can cause disease in humans and fish.