The omicron variant served notice of COVID-19's ability to quickly evolve and outpace our ability to control it. But human capabilities are improving swiftly, too, as the battle against this new pathogen continues into its third year.

One scientific advance involves work at surprising locations: Minnesota wastewater treatment plants.

Data mined from sewage could help control the COVID-19 pandemic by detecting new variants and predicting future surges. It could help fight other pathogens in the same way. That's why the innovative teamwork behind this, led by the University of Minnesota Medical School, deserves a spotlight.