Abstract: Methods and compositions for nucleic acid amplification, detection, and genotyping techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule having a target-specific primer sequence; an anti-tag sequence 5? of the target-specific primer sequence; a tag sequence 5? of the anti-tag sequence; and a blocker between the anti-tag sequence and the tag sequence is disclosed. Compositions containing such a nucleic acid molecule and methods of using such a nucleic acid molecule are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer system is configured to receive a dataset of image-derived features for a plurality of images, reduce the dimensionality of this dataset, identify clusters within the dimensionally-reduced dataset, and generate a visual representation of the datapoint of the dimensionally-reduced dataset as icons grouped by cluster. User input is received to apply user classification labels to the images for inclusion in a training dataset. A user interface is useable to present information to the user and receive information from the user to facilitate the application of user classification labels.

Abstract: Methods and reagent for determining the presence and/or for quantifying the amount of a target nucleic acid sequences in a sample are provided. In some aspects, the methods comprise performing a melt analysis by detecting a signal from a hairpin probe that forms only in the presence of the target nucleic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for detecting the presence or absence of multiple target nucleic acids in partitions of a digital amplification assay. In one embodiment of the method, different probes labeled with the same signal-generating label are distinguishable from each other as a result of having different melting temperatures in the presence of their cognate target nucleic acids. Following amplification of the target nucleic acids in a digital assay, signals are measured at three or more different temperatures and at least two relational values between signals measured at the three or more different temperatures are calculated and plotted against each other to classify partition subsets according to their target nucleic acid occupancy.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for thermally cycling a sample. Particular embodiments comprise a first pivot arm configured to pivot around a first pivot axis; a second pivot arm configured to pivot around a second pivot axis; a first thermal mass and a second thermal mass coupled to the first pivot arm; and a third thermal mass and a fourth thermal mass coupled to the second pivot arm, wherein the first and third thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a first position, and the second and fourth thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a second position.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for extracting cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from a biological sample without the need for pretreatment with proteases prior to binding of the cfDNA to a solid substrate and without a heated elution step. The methods comprise contacting the biological sample with a chelating agent and an oxidizing agent prior to eluting the cell-free DNA from a solid substrate.

Abstract: Fluid storage containers and analysis cartridges for use in assay processes are presented. In addition, systems comprising such storage containers and analysis cartridges and methods of using such containers and cartridges are presented as well. In specific embodiments, fluid storage containers are configured to be coupled to analysis cartridges in a first stage and a second stage.

Abstract: Methods and reagent for determining the presence and/or for quantifying the amount of a target nucleic acid sequences in a sample are provided. In some aspects, the methods comprise performing a melt analysis by detecting, a signal from a probe at a temperature that is lower than the Tm of the probe and a signal at a temperature that is higher than the Tm of the probe, without detecting a signal at the Tm of the probe.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing samples, including for example, samples containing nucleic acids, antibodies, and/or antigens are described. The apparatus may include a frame having a cartridge receiver, two optical devices, thermal cycler, lysis assembly, hybridization heater, and sample transfer assembly. In use, the apparatus may perform multiple sample preparation and analysis processes within the same disposable cartridge including, for example, performing a PCR assay and immunoassay in the same cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of cleavable probes capable of forming double-stranded structures, such as hairpin structures, which probes can be distinguished from one another on the basis of reporter signal, melt properties, or both.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for nucleic acid amplification, detection, and genotyping techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule having a target-specific primer sequence; an anti-tag sequence 5? of the target-specific primer sequence; a tag sequence 5? of the anti-tag sequence; and a blocker between the anti-tag sequence and the tag sequence is disclosed. Compositions containing such a nucleic acid molecule and methods of using such a nucleic acid molecule are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and reagent for determining the presence and/or for quantifying the amount of a target nucleic acid sequences in a sample are provided. In some aspects, the methods comprise performing a melt analysis by detecting, a signal from a probe at a temperature that is lower than the Tm of the probe and a signal at a temperature that is higher than the Tm of the probe, without detecting a signal at the Tm of the probe.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of cleavable probes capable of forming double-stranded structures, such as hairpin structures, which probes can be distinguished from one another on the basis of reporter signal, melt properties, or both.

Abstract: Nucleic acid constructs and methods that provide superior prevention of primer-dimers and other artifacts of false priming events are disclosed. In particular, there is disclosed a hairpin primer having a target-specific primer region, wherein the target-specific region comprises a target-binding dependent cleavage sequence; a first stem forming region 5? of the target-specific primer region; and a second stem forming region 3? of the target-specific primer region, wherein the second stem forming region is complementary to the first stem forming region. Methods of using the hairpin primer to amplify a target nucleic acid are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of primers or probes that comprise a non-natural nucleotide linked to a reporter. Target nucleic acids are detected by the polymerization of a complementary probe or primer that incorporated a cognate non-natural nucleotide linked to a quencher.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for nucleic acid amplification, detection, and genotyping techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule having a target-specific primer sequence; an anti-tag sequence 5? of the target-specific primer sequence; a tag sequence 5? of the anti-tag sequence; and a blocker between the anti-tag sequence and the tag sequence is disclosed. Compositions containing such a nucleic acid molecule and methods of using such a nucleic acid molecule are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of primers or probes that comprise a non-natural nucleotide linked to a reporter. Target nucleic acids are detected by the polymerization of a complementary probe or primer that incorporated a cognate non-natural nucleotide linked to a quencher.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In one embodiment, a sample is contacted with a primer and a quencher-probe complementary to a target nucleic acid. The quencher-probe is complementary to an anti-probe that comprises a reporter and is attached to a solid support. Thus, hybridized probe is cleaved with a nucleic acid polymerase having exonuclease activity to release the quencher from the probe. The presence of the target nucleic acid is then detected and/or optionally quantified by detecting an increase in signal from the fluorescent reporter on the solid support.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.