A truly accessible diagnostic should be easily transported long distances without expensive shipping accommodations. To test the functionality of our assay after travelling long distances, we sent several prototypes 140 miles to the Northwestern iGEM team via 2-day express mail. The tests also laid dormant for close to a week before any experiments were performed. We provided the Northwestern team with the following protocol: Remove the black covered pieces from the zip-locks. Place the smaller circle side face down on a scanner. Add 40uL of water to each of the 9 zones. Capture a scan every 10 seconds in 48 bit images if possible for 4 minutes. Repeat for each assay. Send scans back for analysis Due to a misinterpretation in the protocol, we were unable to collect the data we set out to collect. The mishap did, however, reveal an unrealized problem with the test assays: ambiguous instructions and unmarked testing areas combine for a confusing user experience. We incorporated these findings into a new generation of our paper-based assay which you can view at the link below.

We also had the opportunity to help the Carroll iGEM Team with the traveling Mike the Microbe. We showed Mike our lab space in Indiana as part of their exchange to send Mike around the world.

We also helped the Marburg iGEM Team with their project working with BLISTA, a high school for visually impaired students in Europe. By following the guidelines on their Human Practices page, we were able to make our wiki more accessible to people with disabilities.