Abstract: A method of detecting an analyte in a fluid sample includes exposing a sensor including a substrate and a sensor medium on the substrate to the fluid sample for a period of time. The sensor medium includes a plurality of nanostructures and one or more of at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an antigen receptor or an antigen immobilized upon at least a portion of the plurality of nanostructures. The at least one agent is an antibody or an antigen receptor if the analyte is an antigen and is an antigen if the analyte is an antibody. An electrolyte liquid having a known ionic strength which is less than the fluid sample is added over the sensor medium subsequent to exposing the sensor to the fluid and a variable providing a measure of change in at least one property of the sensor medium which is dependent upon the presence of the analyte is measured in presence of the electrolyte liquid.

Abstract: One example includes a signal connector system. The system includes a first connector comprising a first housing and first contacts formed from a self-passivating transition metal and configured to conduct an AC signal. The system also includes a second connector comprising a second housing and second contacts formed from the self-passivating transition metal and configured to electrically couple to a respective one of the first contacts to conduct the AC signal. The first and second housings can be coupled to enclose the signal connector and to create at least one fluid-filled channel between each of the electrically-connected first and second contact pairs in response to fastening the first and second connectors while submerged in a respective fluid to provide a resistive path in the at least one fluid-filled channel for providing signal isolation between each of the electrically-connected first and second contact pairs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a product includes a plurality of particles, each particle including: a carrier that includes a non-toxic material; and at least one DNA barcode coupled to the carrier, where the particles each have a diameter in a range from about 1 nanometer to about 100 microns.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a product includes a plurality of particles, each particle including: a carrier that includes a non-toxic material; and at least one DNA barcode coupled to the carrier, where the particles each have a diameter in a range from about 1 nanometer to about 100 microns.

Abstract: A simulant that includes a carrier and DNA encapsulated in the carrier. Also a method of making a simulant including the steps of providing a carrier and encapsulating DNA in the carrier to produce the simulant.

Abstract: A simulant that includes a carrier and DNA encapsulated in the carrier. Also a method of making a simulant including the steps of providing a carrier and encapsulating DNA in the carrier to produce the simulant.

Abstract: Sets of genes associated with aging in the kidney are identified herein, and methods of assessing the health and longevity of the kidney in a human subject are disclosed. Methods include obtaining a DNA sample from the subject and analyzing the sample for the occurrence of at least one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in at least one gene that is identified herein as correlating with physiological aging of the kidney. Also disclosed are potential drug targets for improving the physiological health and lifespan of the kidney.

Abstract: A system for immunoassaying a sample comprising providing magnetic beads, connecting signal molecules to the beads, connecting the sample to the magnetic beads with the connected signal molecules, magnetically trapping the magnetic beads with the connected signal molecules and the sample, lysising the sample, and analyzing the sample.

Abstract: A system for nucleic acid capture and amplification comprising introducing a sample potentially containing the nucleic acid into a packed bed wherein the nucleic acid adheres to the packed bed, introducing an amplification mix into the packed bed, and thermal cycling the packed bed and the nucleic acid between denaturation and annealing temperatures for PCR amplification. One embodiment provides an apparatus for DNA capture and amplification comprising a tubing or housing having a cavity, bed media in the cavity, and a heater operatively connected to the tubing or housing.

Abstract: A flow cytometer includes a flow cell for detecting the sample, an oil phase in the flow cell, a water phase in the flow cell, an oil-water interface between the oil phase and the water phase, a detector for detecting the sample at the oil-water interface, and a hydrophobic unit operatively connected to the sample. The hydrophobic unit is attached to the sample. The sample and the hydrophobic unit are placed in an oil and water combination. The sample is detected at the interface between the oil phase and the water phase.

Abstract: A flow cytometer includes a flow cell for detecting the sample, an oil phase in the flow cell, a water phase in the flow cell, an oil-water interface between the oil phase and the water phase, a detector for detecting the sample at the oil-water interface, and a hydrophobic unit operatively connected to the sample. The hydrophobic unit is attached to the sample. The sample and the hydrophobic unit are placed in an oil and water combination. The sample is detected at the interface between the oil phase and the water phase.