Laboratory Environmental Algae Pond Simulator (IMAGE) DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Caption PNNL's Laboratory Environmental Algae Pond Simulator system, also known as LEAPS, mimics the frequently shifting water temperatures and lighting conditions that occur in outdoor ponds at any given place on earth. This allows researchers to test multiple algae strains with the conditions at different places, but without the cost and time needed to actually grow them at those locations. Credit Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Usage Restrictions Credit PNNL License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.