We conduct pioneering research targeting breakthroughs to benefit national security missions. Explore some of our cutting-edge biology and biomechanics facilities.
Genome Sequencing Laboratory
Genome sequencing facilities enable next-generation sequencing and multi-type sample processing, including animal, plant, bacterial, and viral. Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq sequencers and multiple Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencers are maintained. A workflow integrates the data from these machines to high-power computation clusters within APL. Our researchers have developed novel sample processing, sequencing, and bioinformatics pipelines to enable innovative genomics analysis.
NAMI Laboratory
The NAMI Laboratory is a landlocked marine facility that runs on synthetic seawater, allowing users to replicate environmental conditions found anywhere in the world without the bias of a natural local water source. The facility currently supports experiments with bacteria, microalgae, macroalgae, hard and soft corals, mussels, barnacles, crabs, and specialized wood-eating clams.
Plant Growth Laboratory
Our facilities are equipped for plant growth (including multiple enclosed growth chambers), stress testing, imaging (confocal, stereoscope, thermal), molecular analysis, and genetic engineering. APL has experience evaluating the stress response across diverse plant species, with emphasis on grasses such as tall fescue and the genus Setaria.
Vertically Accelerated Load Transfer System
The Vertically Accelerated Load Transfer System (VALTS) enables vertical, high-rate, accelerative testing. The VALTS facility accommodates instrumentation using biomedical sensors as well as high-rate imaging. Multiple impact-test platforms can impart complex and dynamic loading pulses representative of real-world blast loading conditions. This large facility can accommodate variably sized test articles and various fixtures, providing the ability to study a wide range of vertical loading scenarios.