Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for nucleic acid isolation. In particular, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for isolating nucleic acids from aqueous samples (e.g., blood or urine).

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the alteration of neuronal methylation by synthetic piRNAs or by alteration of piRNA function. Such alterations find use in the regulation and control of neural gene expression and concomitant neural functions. Further provided herein are systems and methods for the identification of target sites for regulation by piRNAs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA and methods for characterizing heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA, which can be used to assess the progression of mitochondrial diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA by amplification of a segment of mitochondrial DNA containing restriction sites, digesting the mitochondrial DNA segments with restriction enzymes, determining the molecular masses of the restriction fragments and comparing the molecular masses with the molecular masses of theoretical restriction digests of known mitochondrial DNA sequences stored in a database.

Abstract: The present invention provides integrated sample preparation systems and stabilized enzyme mixtures. In particular, the present invention provides microfluidic cards configured for processing a sample and generating DNA libraries that are suitable for use in sequencing methods or other suitable nucleic acid analysis methods. The present invention also provides stabilized enzyme mixtures containing an enzyme, BSA, and a sugar. Such enzyme mixtures may be lyophilized and stored at room temperature without significant loss of enzyme activity for months.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA by amplification of a segment of mitochondrial DNA containing restriction sites, digesting the mitochondrial DNA segments with restriction enzymes, determining the molecular masses of the restriction fragments and comparing the molecular masses with the molecular masses of theoretical restriction digests of known mitochondrial DNA sequences stored in a database.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligonucleotide primers and compositions and kits containing the same for rapid identification of alphaviruses by amplification of a segment of viral nucleic acid followed by molecular mass analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA and methods for characterizing heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA, which can be used to assess the progression of mitochondrial diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein are apparatuses and methods for fragmenting nucleic acids or disrupting cells. For example, some embodiments provide a disposable microfluidic device designed to position a sample to be in direct contact with a high frequency vibrating element that emits an ultrasonic frequency into the sample such that the vibrational energy transduced into the sample results in fragmenting nucleic acids or disrupting cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are buffers for the stabilization of nucleic acid molecules. The buffers find particular use for the stabilization of trace amounts of nucleic acid molecules in a variety of environments, including repeated freeze/thaw cycles. For example, in some embodiments, provided herein are compositions comprising tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), polyadenylic acid, and a synthetic DNA oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for synthesizing polyadenylic acid using polynucleotide phosphorylase, adenosine diphosphate, a buffering agent, and a divalent metal cation. In certain embodiments, the adenosine diphosphate is present at a concentration between about 5.0 mM and about 100 mM, and the buffering agent has a pH around 8.0. In some embodiments, the prepared polyadenylic acid compositions are free of detectable nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligonucleotide primers and compositions and kits containing the same for rapid identification of bacteria by amplification of a segment of bacterial nucleic acid followed by molecular mass analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for producing single-stranded circular DNA by PCR. In particular, hairpin primers are provided, and methods of use thereof to produce single-stranded circular DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for stabilization of fluorescent dyes. In particular, the present invention provides buffer systems comprising thiourea to protect against degradation of ozone-labile fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portable systems and devices, and corresponding methods, for detecting bioagents. In particular, the present invention provides systems, devices, and methods that utilize one or more of a sample preparation component, sample analysis component employing broad range primers, and sample detection component.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligonucleotide primers and compositions and kits containing the same for rapid identification of alphaviruses by amplification of a segment of viral nucleic acid followed by molecular mass analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection and identification of Babesia bioagents, and provides methods, compositions and kits useful for this purpose when combined, for example, with molecular mass or base composition analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides integrated sample preparation systems and stabilized enzyme mixtures. In particular, the present invention provides microfluidic cards configured for processing a sample and generating DNA libraries that are suitable for use in sequencing methods (e.g., next generation sequencing methods) or other suitable nucleic acid analysis methods. The present invention also provides stabilized enzyme mixtures containing an enzyme (e.g., an enzyme used in whole genome amplification), BSA, and a sugar. Such enzyme mixtures may be lyophilized and stored at room temperature without significant loss of enzyme activity for months.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating single stranded circular nucleic acid from a sample of target nucleic acid. A complex comprising a transposase and a plurality of hairpin polynucleotides is formed with each of the hairpin polynucleotides having a duplex region comprising a transposase recognition sequence. The complex is mixed with the target nucleic acid, thereby fragmenting the target nucleic acid and ligating the hairpin polynucleotides to the target nucleic acid to form hairpin-linked nucleic acid fragments, each having a nucleobase segment gap between each fragment and its corresponding hairpin polynucleotide. The hairpin-linked fragments are contacted with a ligase, thereby ligating the hairpin-linked fragments together to form single-stranded circular nucleic acid comprising a pair of opposing loops and an intervening duplex region comprising a pair of nucleobase segment gaps.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and compositions for identifying a subject as infected with a parasite by detecting nucleic acid from an endosymbiont of the parasite in a sample from the subject. In certain embodiments, the parasite is a nematode that infects humans or dogs (e.g., D. immitis, O. volvulus, W. bancrofti, B. timori, or B. malayi) and the endosymbiont is Wolbachia.