Abstract: The invention provides a multi-well plate reader for providing simultaneous transmission of stimulation light to, and detection of emission light from, individual wells of a multi-well plate at a plurality of distinct wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems using optogenetic assays to identify features in measured neuronal action potentials that can be used to characterize neural disorders and potential therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: The inventions provide microscopes for imaging samples within wells of multi-well plates. Microscopes of the disclosure include a beam homogenizer system that shapes a beam from a light source into a shape specific to the bottom of a well of a multi-well plate. In particular, microscopes of the disclosure can illuminate wells for imaging by passing light through a prism that is beneath the sample. The light enters the prism from the side and as refracted into the well at a steep angle such that the light only illuminates about a bottom ten microns of the well. The beam homogenizer shapes the light from the light source so that, instead of hitting the prism as a spot with an irregular shape, the light enters the prism in a substantially rectangular pattern with homogeneous optical power level over the pattern.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and systems for optical assays, such as optogenetic assays, of biological activity in which an optical reference signal is used to normalize an optical test signal.

Abstract: The present invention includes multi-well plate readers, and methods of their use. The multi-well plate readers can transmit stimulation light to, and detect emission light from, individual wells of a multi-well plate, simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention includes multi-well plate readers, and methods of their use. The multi-well plate readers can transmit stimulation light to, and detect emission light from, individual wells of a multi-well plate at a plurality of distinct wavelengths.

Abstract: Methods for making and using pain mediator compositions are described herein. These pain mediator compositions can be used to discover and develop pain therapeutics and to evaluate test compounds for their effect on pain associated with a particular disease or condition.

Abstract: The invention provides an open-stage near-TIRF microscope in which all of the optical components are positioned underneath the sample, allowing for physical access to, and control over the environment of, the sample. The microscope can be used to image cells expressing fluorescent voltage indicators. Since the TIRF components do not interfere with the sample, living cells can be studied using a microscope of the invention. Where a sample includes electrically active cells expressing fluorescent voltage indicators, the microscope can be used to view voltage changes in, and thus the electrical activity of, those cells.

Abstract: Screening compounds by exposing a plurality of cardiomyocytes to a compound, wherein the cardiomyocytes express an optogenetic reporter of membrane potential and an optogenetic reporter of calcium level; receiving light from the optogenetic reporter of membrane potential; creating an AP waveform using the received light; and analyzing the AP waveform to determine the presence or absence of a risk for arrhythmia associated with the compound.

Abstract: The invention provides an open-stage near-TIRF microscope in which all of the optical components are positioned underneath the sample, allowing for physical access to, and control over the environment of, the sample. The microscope can be used to image cells expressing fluorescent voltage indicators. Since the TIRF components do not interfere with the sample, living cells can be studied using a microscope of the invention. Where a sample includes electrically active cells expressing fluorescent voltage indicators, the microscope can be used to view voltage changes in, and thus the electrical activity of, those cells.

Abstract: Screening compounds by exposing a plurality of cardiomyocytes to a compound, wherein the cardiomyocytes express an optogenetic reporter of membrane potential and an optogenetic reporter of calcium level; receiving light from the optogenetic reporter of membrane potential; creating an AP waveform using the received light; and analyzing the AP waveform to determine the presence or absence of a risk for arrhythmia associated with the compound.