Abstract: Disclosed are methods for increasing the rate at which a nucleic acid can be translated by modifying the polynucleotide such that the rate at which the polynucleotide is translated is altered.

Abstract: Methods for venting or drying (e.g., lyophilizing) samples contained in a multi-well plate. One method involves providing a multi-well plate that includes wells that each contain a sample and define an opening substantially sealed with a filter element that permits permeation of at least one gas and substantially prevents permeation of microbes. Another variant includes introducing a sample into a well via an opening defined by the well, covering at least a portion of the well opening with a filter element, and permitting gas to enter or exit the well substantially only through the filter element. An assembly is also described that includes a multi-well plate and a sheet defining a plurality of caps, wherein each of the caps includes a microbe-impermeable filter element. Another multi-well plate assembly includes a filter positioned to extend across at least a portion of the well opening.