Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for ligating nucleic acids or nucleic acid fragments as well as methods for transforming or transfecting cells with exogenous DNA. The methods and devices generally involve exposing the nucleic acids, nucleic acid fragments, and/or cells to an electromagnetic field, for example, a mini-current electromagnetic field, while performing the steps of ligation or transformation. The methods and devices provide numerous advantages over conventional ligation and transformation techniques and systems such as reduced reaction times, no heating requirements, and reduced amounts of reagents. Finally, as shown in the examples below, the methods and devices described herein are more effective compared to conventional ligation and transformation techniques and systems.

Abstract: Described herein are polyurethane compositions based on natural materials, as well as methods for making and using the compositions. Also described herein are biofoams made from the polyurethane compositions. The biofoams described herein are resistant to degradation by acid and heat and are able to recover their original shapes after the application of pressure.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for effectively removing from soil samples. By isolating the oil from the soil sample, it is possible to accurately evaluate the different properties of the oil in the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods evaluate the grade or API gravity of petroleum. The methods and systems disclosed herein overcome many of the difficulties commonly associated with petroleum exploration. The methods and systems include collecting fluorescence emission spectra of soil samples and inputting these into an artificial neural network, which is able to rapidly and accurately assess and classify data from multiple soil samples. Additionally, the methods and systems can be useful in identifying other compounds related to or commonly found together with petroleum, including hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for enhancing the physiological properties of plants. For example, the devices and methods described herein increase the production of lycopene, which has industrial and economic value. The lycopene produced by the devices and methods does not require the ultra purification that is common in conventional or commercial methods. The devices and methods described herein also enhance the growth rate of plants.

Abstract: Methods and devices for amplifying nucleic acids generally involve exposing the nucleic acid to an electromagnetic field, for example a mini-current magnetic field, while performing the steps of PCR. The PCR methods and devices provide numerous advantages over conventional PCR techniques and systems such as reduced reaction times, no heating requirements, and reduced amounts of reagents (e.g., optional use polymerases and primers). Additionally, the PCR methods and devices require significantly shorter reaction times (e.g., less than one hour) compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems (minimum 2 hours). Finally, as shown in the Examples, the PCR methods and devices amplify significantly more DNA compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems. Accordingly, the PCR methods and devices provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to perform PCR when compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds and compositions useful for removing contaminants from water, as well as methods for making and using the compounds and compositions. In one aspect, the compositions contain a source of gallium ions and a polysaccharide such as chitosan, which are inexpensive and safe for the environment.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for detecting and determining the presence and grade of petroleum oil in a sample. The methods and systems use the fluorescence produced by one or more transition metals present in the oil to detect and determine the presence and grade of the oil in the sample. The fluorescence produced by the metals is also useful as marker for tracking presence oil in the soil. The methods and offset the problems of the existing exploration technologies described above mentioned. Additionally, the methods and systems can be useful in identifying other compounds related to petroleum oil, such as carbon, hydrogen, and other types of aromatic compounds.

Abstract: Described herein are glucose and insulin sensors. The sensors are composed of host cells with DNA specifically designed to produce fluorescence when the cells come into contact with glucose and/or insulin in the sample. Once the fluorescence has been quantified, it can be correlated with the amount of glucose and/or insulin present in the sample.

Abstract: Methods and devices for amplifying nucleic acids generally involve exposing the nucleic acid to an electromagnetic field, for example a mini-current magnetic field, while performing the steps of PCR. The PCR methods and devices provide numerous advantages over conventional PCR techniques and systems such as reduced reaction times, no heating requirements, and reduced amounts of reagents (e.g., optional use polymerases and primers). Additionally, the PCR methods and devices require significantly shorter reaction times (e.g., less than one hour) compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems (minimum 2 hours). Finally, as shown in the Examples, the PCR methods and devices amplify significantly more DNA compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems. Accordingly, the PCR methods and devices provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to perform PCR when compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for enhancing the production of phenolic compounds from Theobroma cacao. For example, the devices and methods described herein increase the production of phenolic compounds from cocoa plants, which has industrial and economic value. The phenolic compounds produced by the devices and methods do not require the ultra purification that is common in conventional or commercial methods. The devices and methods described herein also enhance the growth rate of plants.