Abstract: A system is disclosed that monitors participants in health-related programs, such as weight loss or exercise programs, and that provides automated, personalized health coaching to the program participants. The system includes breath analysis devices that are used by the program participants to generate ketone measurements, and includes a mobile application that runs on mobile devices of the participants and communicates with corresponding breath analysis devices. The system operates generally by monitoring ketone levels (such as acetone levels) and other attributes of the participants and by making personalized, machine-generated changes or updates to such programs to maintain program effectiveness and engagement. In some embodiments the system uses artificial intelligence to classify and coach the participants.

Abstract: A breath analyte capture device includes a breath input port into which a user exhales a breath sample, and a cartridge insertion port for receiving a disposable cartridge containing an interactant. During exhalation of a breath sample, at least a portion of the breath sample is routed through the cartridge such that the analyte (such as breath acetone) is captured by the interactant. In some embodiments, the concentration of the analyte in the breath sample is measured by monitoring a chemical reaction that occurs in the disposable cartridge. The chemical reaction may be monitored by illuminating the cartridge at each of multiple light wavelengths while measuring reflected light.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that monitors participants in health-related programs, such as weight loss or exercise programs, and that provides automated, personalized health coaching to the program participants. The system includes breath analysis devices that are used by the program participants to generate ketone measurements, and includes a mobile application that runs on mobile devices of the participants and communicates with corresponding breath analysis devices. The system operates generally by monitoring ketone levels (such as acetone levels) and other attributes of the participants and by making personalized, machine-generated changes or updates to such programs to maintain program effectiveness and engagement. In some embodiments the system uses artificial intelligence to classify and coach the participants.

Abstract: A pump-less breath analysis device regulates the flow of breath past an analyte sensor, which may be a semiconductor sensor, by dynamically adjusting the state or position of a valve as the user exhales into the device. The valve controls the flow of incoming breath between two flow paths: a venting path through which breath exits the device without passing by the sensor, and a sensing path that includes the sensor. In some embodiments, the valve is controlled by a processor that monitors pressure produced by the user's exhalation force. Based on these real-time pressure measurements, the processor adjusts the valve to maintain the pressure, and thus the flow rate, in the sensing path within a desired range. The processor may also use the pressure measurements to determine whether the characteristics of the user's exhalation are sufficient to generate a valid measurement.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for measuring the concentration of an analyte, such as acetone, in a breath sample. The disclosed devices include a breath sample analysis device having a mouthpiece configured to facilitate engagement with a user's mouth to receive a breath sample. The disclosed devices also include a breath sample capture cartridge containing an interactant that extracts the analyte from a breath sample passed through the cartridge. Also disclosed are devices for routing the breath sample through the cartridge during exhalation, and for analyzing a reaction in the cartridge to measure a concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: A breath analyte capture device includes a breath input port into which a user exhales a breath sample, and a cartridge insertion port for receiving a disposable cartridge containing an interactant. During exhalation of a breath sample, at least a portion of the breath sample is routed through the cartridge such that the analyte (such as breath acetone) is captured by the interactant. In some embodiments, the concentration of the analyte in the breath sample is measured by monitoring a chemical reaction that occurs in the disposable cartridge. The chemical reaction may be monitored by illuminating the cartridge at each of multiple light wavelengths while measuring reflected light.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that monitors participants in health-related programs, such as weight loss or exercise programs, and that provides automated, personalized health coaching to the program participants. The system includes breath analysis devices that are used by the program participants to generate ketone measurements, and includes a mobile application that runs on mobile devices of the participants and communicates with corresponding breath analysis devices. The system operates generally by monitoring ketone levels (such as acetone levels) and other attributes of the participants and by making personalized, machine-generated changes or updates to such programs to maintain program effectiveness and engagement. In some embodiments the system uses artificial intelligence to classify and coach the participants.

Abstract: A pump-less breath analysis device regulates the flow of breath past a nanoparticle sensor (or other semiconductor sensor) by dynamically adjusting the state or position of a valve as the user exhales into the device. The valve controls the flow of incoming breath between two flow paths: a venting path through which breath exits the device without passing by the nanoparticle sensor, and a sensing path that includes the nanoparticle sensor. In some embodiments, the valve is controlled by a processor that monitors pressure produced by the user's exhalation force. Based on these real-time pressure measurements, the processor adjusts the valve to maintain the pressure, and thus the flow rate, in the sensing path within a desired range. The processor may also use the pressure measurements to determine whether the characteristics of the user's exhalation are sufficient to generate a valid measurement.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that monitors participants in health-related programs, such as weight loss or exercise programs, and that provides automated, personalized health coaching to the program participants. The system includes breath analysis devices that are used by the program participants to generate ketone measurements, and includes a mobile application that runs on mobile devices of the participants and communicates with corresponding breath analysis devices. The system operates generally by monitoring ketone levels (such as acetone levels) and other attributes of the participants and by making personalized, machine-generated changes or updates to such programs to maintain program effectiveness and engagement. In some embodiments the system uses artificial intelligence to classify and coach the participants.

Abstract: Various devices are disclosed for measuring the concentration of an analyte, such as acetone, in a breath sample. The disclosed devices include a disposable cartridge containing a reactive material that extracts the analyte from a breath sample passed through the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge contains a solid, porous structure (such as a disk, bowl or puck) that contains the reactive material. The porous structure may be created by mixing reactive particles with resin particles, and then using a sintering process to transform the mixture into a solid structure. Also disclosed are devices for routing a breath sample through the cartridge during exhalation, and for analyzing a reaction in the cartridge to measure a concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: A breath analyte capture device includes a breath input port into which a user exhales a breath sample, and a cartridge insertion port for receiving a disposable cartridge containing an interactant. During exhalation of a breath sample, at least a portion of the breath sample is routed through the cartridge such that the analyte (such as breath acetone) is captured by the interactant. In some embodiments, the concentration of the analyte in the breath sample is measured by monitoring a chemical reaction that occurs in the disposable cartridge. The chemical reaction may be monitored by illuminating the cartridge at each of multiple light wavelengths while measuring reflected light.

Abstract: Various devices are disclosed for measuring the concentration of an analyte, such as acetone, in a breath sample. The disclosed devices include a disposable cartridge containing a reactive material that extracts the analyte from a breath sample passed through the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge contains a solid, porous structure (such as a disk, bowl or puck) that contains the reactive material. To induce a chemical reaction for measuring the quantity of the extracted analyte, the porous structure may be brought into contact with a sponge or pad that dispenses developer solution to the porous structure. Also disclosed are devices for routing a breath sample through the cartridge during exhalation, and for analyzing a reaction in the cartridge to measure a concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for purifying nucleic acids, in particular primer extension products such as those obtained in nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The methods involve the use of a primer to which is attached a string of arylboronic acid moieties. After extension of the primer using a polymerase, the primer extension-products are complexed with a solid support to which is attached an arylboronic acid complexing moiety. The resulting complex is separated from the reaction mixture, washed, and the primer extension products are dissociated from the solid support. The primer extension products are obtained in a form particularly suitable for loading directly on a capillary electrophoresis apparatus.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for purifying nucleic acids, in particular primer extension products such as those obtained in nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The methods involve the use of a primer to which is attached a string of arylboronic acid moieties. After extension of the primer using a polymerase, the primer extension products are complexed with a solid support to which is attached an arylboronic acid complexing moiety. The resulting complex is separated from the reaction mixture, washed, and the primer extension products are dissociated from the solid support. The primer extension products are obtained in a form particularly suitable for loading directly on a capillary electrophoresis apparatus.