Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate holding and locking system for chemical and/or electrolytic surface treatment of a substrate in a process fluid and a corresponding method. The system comprises a first element, a second element, a reduced pressure holding unit and a magnetic locking unit. The first element and the second element are configured to hold the substrate between each other. The reduced pressure holding unit comprises a pump to reduce an interior pressure inside the substrate holding and locking system below atmospheric pressure. The magnetic locking unit is configured to lock the first element and the second element with each other. The magnetic locking unit comprises a magnet control and at least a magnet. The magnet is arranged at one of the first element and the second element. The magnet control is configured to control a magnetic force between the first element and the second element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detecting apparatus, including a storage chamber containing a treating fluid; wherein, the detecting apparatus is internally provided with a sharp-pointed portion; the storage chamber may make a movement relative to the sharp-pointed portion; the storage chamber will be pierced by the sharp-pointed portion during the moving process, such that the treating fluid in the storage chamber is released. The detecting apparatus further includes a collecting chamber; the released treating fluid may flow into the collecting chamber; the collecting chamber is disposed inside a first shell and used to contain a sample; an opening is disposed at an upper position of the first shell; the collecting chamber is internally provided with a testing element for detecting an analyte; the testing element is disposed on a carrier, and the carrier has a specific matching form with the collecting chamber.

Abstract: Each of one or more unknown compounds are separated from a sample over a separation time period. Separated compounds are ionized, producing one or more compound precursor ions for each of the unknown compounds and a plurality of background precursor ions. A precursor ion mass spectrum is measured for the combined compound and background precursor ions at each time step of a plurality of time steps spread across the separation time period, producing a plurality of precursor ion mass spectra. One or more background precursor ions are selected from the plurality of precursor ion mass spectra that have a resolving power in a range below a threshold expected resolving power. A separation time is detected for an unknown compound when a decrease in an intensity measurement of the selected background precursor ions over a time period exceeds a threshold decrease in intensity with respect to time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting, delaying, or reversing cellular senescence that includes having an isolated cell flow through a microchannel, and crashing the cell in flow into an impact surface installed on a flow path of the cell to apply a physical impact to the cell, resulting in inhibiting, delaying, or reversing senescence of the cell, while maintaining high biological activity, and in particular, it relates to a method that can further increase the value of a stem cell as a therapeutic cell for various degenerative diseases by maintaining undifferentiated state of the stem cell even during a long-term culture period to maintain multipotency, and to the cells obtained by the method.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes a housing unit capable of housing a plurality of reagent bottles each of which has an IC tag on one surface of short-side side surfaces thereof, an antenna used to communicate with the IC tag, a detector that detects the presence or absence of a reagent bottles, and a control unit. The housing unit includes a housing container cooled by a cooling machine, a heat insulating material, a reagent tray provided with a plurality of reagent bottle holding portions that hold the reagent bottles, a disk rotatably holding the reagent tray, and a driving unit driving the disk, and when it is unable to communicate with the IC tag of the reagent bottle installed in the reagent bottle holding portion where the reagent bottle is detected by the detector, the control unit determines that the reagent bottle is installed in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A sample support body is a sample support body for ionizing a sample, including: a substrate formed with a plurality of first through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; and a conductive layer provided at least on a peripheral portion of the first through hole in the first surface, in which in a partition portion provided between the adjacent first through holes, a plurality of second through holes communicating the adjacent first through holes are formed.

Abstract: A specimen introduction method for improving a measurement accuracy and efficiency includes a preparation step, first step, second step, and third step. The preparation step uses a switching member to connect a first feeder to a first inlet-and-outlet, a second inlet-and-outlet to a discharge container, a third inlet-and-outlet to a first inflow port, and a second feeder to a second inflow port. The first step includes filling a path from the second feeder to the switching member through the second inflow port, a specimen treatment device, and the first inflow port with a second liquid. The second step includes filling a path from the first feeder to the switching member with a first liquid. The third step includes subsequently introducing the first liquid into the first inflow port from the first feeder through the switching member, and introducing the second liquid into the second inflow port from the second feeder.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for use with reagents bound to microspheres for determination of the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample are provided. The devices include two sequential mixing channels that promote rapid binding of microsphere-bound reagents with reagents in solution and a means for detecting labeled microsphere-bound reaction products. Also provided are methods for using the devices with microsphere-bound reagents to determine the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample and to measure the binding affinity of antibody for an antigen.

Abstract: A method of automatically tracking urine in a toilet includes creating a background image of an interior of a toilet bowl using an image sensor, wherein the background image shows the interior of the toilet bowl. The method also includes acquiring an image of the interior of the toilet bowl using the image sensor, wherein the acquired image shows urine and a collecting and tracing member in the interior of the toilet bowl. The method further includes producing a difference image that shows a difference between the acquired image and the background image, and processing the difference image to identify a location of the urine and the collecting and tracking member, and moving the collecting and tracking member to the identified location of the urine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for performing rapid low-cost bioassays in self-contained disposable cartridges that provide efficient mixing of sample and reactants under a layer of liquid wax. Some embodiments additionally use gravity assisted distribution of sample and assay reagents in conjunction with an appliance containing all necessary valves, pneumatic sources, heat sources and detection stations.

Abstract: The present invention provides point-of-care blood typing devices. The devices require only a small sample of blood and are able to provide results within minutes. The devices are capable of identifying A, B, AB, and O type blood. The devices are also capable of identifying blood that is positive (+) or negative (?) for the D antigen.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber that has a liquid disposed therein, and a sensor submerged in the liquid. The sensor comprises a porous conductive film on a substrate, and the film comprises chemiresistive semiconducting metal oxide structures. The sensor also comprises an electrode pair operably connected to the porous conductive film for generating electric current in the film and for detecting a change in an electrical property of the film. The apparatus can be used to detect, identify, and quantify ions and molecules in a liquid sample. Molecules and ions, in a liquid sample, that interact with the porous conductive film can cause a change in an electrical property of the film. The change in electrical property of the film can be correlated with the presence and amount of the molecules or ions.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis apparatus includes a piercer for piercing a cover member, a nozzle that passes through the piercer which has pierced the cover member and suctions a specimen, a liquid surface sensor that detects contact of the nozzle with the specimen, and a controller that drives the nozzle and the piercer, in which the controller provides an error notification upon detection of contact of the nozzle with the accommodation object inside the piercer, and upon detection of a collision of the nozzle with the cover member.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to an automated cell culture instrument and to methods for operating such an instrument. In one aspect, the cell culture instrument includes a computing unit and a plurality of electrically controllable resources (e.g., sensors, actuators, etc.). The computing unit receives a protocol, schedules the resources so as to execute the protocol, and operates the resources as scheduled or in response to so as to provide an improved environment for cell culture growth. The computing unit may simulate protocol execution in connection with the scheduling or execution of the protocol.

Abstract: A refrigerator, comprising a microfluidic testing system used for qualitatively or quantitatively testing a preset test parameter of a sample liquid. The microfluidic testing system comprises: a microfluidic biochip which is provided with a sample inlet, a communication port and a testing pool formed inside the microfluidic biochip, wherein the sample inlet, the testing pool and the communication port are in sequential communication by means of a micro-channel; a chip mounting mechanism used for mounting the microfluidic biochip; a sample liquid driving device in hermetic communication with the communication port, so as to promote the sample liquid in contact with the sample inlet to flow into the micro-channel and flow to the testing pool via the micro-channel; and a testing mechanism which is used for testing the testing pool to obtain the preset test parameter of the sample liquid.

Abstract: In aspects, a system includes an on-board storage containing a synthetic quality control material, a plurality of sub-systems having a plurality of operating parameters and including a material analyzer, a database storing quality control results that include results of the material analyzer analyzing the synthetic quality control material over time, one or more processors, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to, automatically without user intervention: generate a control chart based on the quality control results, determine that a parameter of the plurality of operating parameters is out-of-tolerance based on the control chart, and adjust at least one of the plurality of sub-systems without user intervention to bring the out-of-tolerance parameter to within tolerance.

Abstract: A sensor can selectively detect quantum signatures in charge transfer processes via a tunneling current. In one aspect, the sensor can include a metal electrode having a first surface and a second surface. The sensor can also include an insulator film having a first thickness, a first surface area and a first surface chemistry. The insulator film can be coupled to the metal electrode via the first surface. The sensor can also include a functionalization film having a second thickness, a second surface area and a second surface chemistry. The functionalization film can be coupled to the metal electrode via the second surface. The insulator film and the functionalization film are configured to separate the metal electrode from an electrochemical solution comprising the analyte.

Abstract: A medical placeholder. The medical placeholder has at least one hollow body which is expandable and which defines an interior space, a gas infeed hose which is connected or connectable in a gas-permeable manner with the interior space of the hollow body, and a gas discharge hose which is connected or connectable in a gas-permeable manner with the interior space of the hollow body. The hollow body consists partly or completely of at least one plastic material which is permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide. A one-way valve is arranged in the gas infeed hose and a pressure relief valve is arranged in the gas discharge hose. Also disclosed is a method for gas-flushing a surface of a medical placeholder.

Abstract: Sensor clip assemblies, sensor clips, analyte testing systems, and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. A sensor clip assembly is disclosed for storing and dispensing analyte testing sensors. The sensor clip assembly includes numerous test sensors arranged in a stack. Each test sensor is configured to assist in testing an analyte in a fluid sample. The sensor clip assembly also includes a skeletal frame with a top, a bottom, and numerous sides. The top, bottom and sides are interconnected to define an internal chamber within which is stored the stack of test sensors. At least one of the sides includes one or more elongated rails with structural gaps on opposing sides thereof. For some configurations, multiple sides of the skeletal frame comprise at least one or multiple elongated rails, each of which has structural gaps on opposing sides thereof and may be columnar in nature.

Abstract: A honeycomb tube with a planar frame defining a fluidic path between a first planar surface and a second planar surface. A fluidic interface is located at one end of the planar frame. The fluidic interface has a fluidic inlet and fluidic outlet. The fluidic path further includes a well chamber having an well-substrate with a plurality of wells. The well chamber is arranged in the planar frame between the first or second surface and the well-substrate. The well chamber is in fluidic communication between the pre-amplification chamber and the fluidic outlet.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus, method, and associated applications utilize and apply to a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sample and performing a liquid-liquid extraction to remove the paraffin from the tissue sample prior to a nucleic acid purification step. A microfluidic device includes a dedicated liquid-liquid extraction process vessel, a nucleic acid purification process component, and a nucleic acid amplification reactor. A liquid-liquid extraction and nucleic acid purification kit includes a microfluidic device capable of performing both a liquid-liquid extraction process and a nucleic acid purification process, including a dedicated liquid-liquid extraction process vessel, an immiscible liquid or a precursor phase thereof disposed in the vessel, a nucleic acid purification process component, a nucleic acid amplification reactor fluidically, and a supply of reagents suitable to enable the liquid-liquid extraction process and the nucleic acid purification process.

Abstract: An instrument and a method for simultaneously testing a molecular weight distribution and an organic nitrogen level of a water sample are provided. The instrument comprises: a tail-end injection valve, a chromatographic column, a pressure relief valve, an acid-adding injection valve, an oxygen-adding injection valve, a helical tube for an acid-oxygen reaction, a CO2 remover, a UV digester, a second gas-water separator membrane, a buffer solution injection valve, a helical tube for a buffer solution reaction, a cadmium column, a chromogenic agent injection valve, a helical tube for a chromogenic agent reaction, and a UV detector, sequentially connected via a pipeline. The tail-end injection valve is for receiving a fluid phase and a sample. The second gas-water separator membrane is connected to an electrical conductivity-based CO2 detector. The UV detector and the electrical conductivity-based CO2 detector are connected to a data processing computer.

Abstract: A method of operating an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device performs electrowetting operations on fluids dispensed into the EWOD device, which provides enhanced operation for using multiple non-polar filler fluids.

Abstract: A nucleic acid diagnostic system includes a unit-dose reagent compartment storing at least one unit-dose pack, one or more unit-dose pack loading stations for holding a unit-dose pack at a location that permits a substance transfer device to dispense a reconstitution reagent into each well of the pack, a unit-dose pack distributor configured to transfer a unit-dose pack from the unit-dose reagent compartment to one of the unit-dose pack loading stations, and an electrostatic generator disposed within the housing of the unit-dose reagent compartment and/or adjacent the one or more unit-dose pack loading stations. The electrostatic generator imparts an electrostatic charge to each of the wells of the unit-dose pack and/or to a lyophilized reagent pellet within each well so that the electrostatic charge positions and holds each lyophilized reagent pellet at a bottom of each respective well of the unit-dose pack.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the simultaneous capture and release using micropattern surfaces for tissue and cell microdissection. In one example, a patterned thermoplastic film has a first surface and a plurality of projections attached to and extending outwardly from the first surface. The projections form a pattern on the thermoplastic film.

Abstract: In a device for coupling a cartridge for a lab-on-a-chip analysis device, the cartridge has at least one pneumatic port and at least one reagent chamber. The device has a receiving region and a clamping unit. The receiving region is shaped to receive the cartridge. The clamping unit includes a pneumatic interface for pneumatically contacting the pneumatic port and a punch for insertion into the reagent chamber. The clamping unit is arranged adjacent to the receiving region and is designed to perform a first translatory motion toward the receiving region in order to bring the pneumatic interface into contact with the pneumatic port. Furthermore, the clamping unit is designed to perform a second translatory motion toward the receiving region following the first translatory motion in order to insert the punch into the reagent chamber.

Abstract: A specimen cap. The specimen cap allows material to be transferred out of a specimen cup without exposing the user (clinician, lab tech, phlebotomist) to the sample. The cap employs a double cap system with a secondary cap providing access to a needle holder that holds a needle assembly. The needle assembly has an upward extending needle, with an optional needle cover, and a downward extending draw or sample tube extending downward to reach the sample contained in the specimen cup.

Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments concern an integrated imaging system that combined light-sheet microscopy, which enables considerable speed and phototoxicity gains, with quantitative-phase imaging. A method for using such imaging systems also is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an integrated imaging system was used for multivariate investigation of live-cells in microfluidics.

Abstract: The presence of analytes can be detected in the bodily fluid using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) or Electrochemical Capacitance Spectroscopy (ECS) in devices, such as handheld point-of-care devices. The devices, as well as systems and methods, utilize using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) or Electrochemical Capacitance Spectroscopy (EIS) in combination with an antibody or other target-capturing molecule on a working electrode. Imaginary impedance or phase shift, as well as background subtraction, also may be utilized.

Abstract: Beads with functionalized material applied to them are exposed to an acoustic field to trap, retain or pass the beads. The beads may include or be free of ferro magnetic material. The beads may be biocompatible or biodegradable for a host. The size of the beads may vary over a range, and/or be heterogenous or homogenous. The composition of the beads may include high, neutral or low acoustic contrast material. The chemistry of the functionalized material may be compatible with existing processes. The acoustic field may be generated, for example, in an acoustic angled wave device or in an acoustic fluidized bed.

Abstract: Examples herein provide a device. The device includes a sample delivery component, which includes: a reagent chamber to contain at least one reagent; a sample chamber to contain a fluid sample; and a delivery channel extending from the reagent chamber and in fluid communication with the sample chamber and an output port, wherein the delivery channel is conducive mixing the at least one reagent and the fluid sample to form a mixture before the mixture reaches the output port and be discharged therefrom. The device includes a testing cassette detachable from the delivery component, which includes: an input port in fluid communication with a microfluidic reservoir, the input port to receive the discharged fluid sample from the output port; and a micro-fabricated integrated sensor in a microfluidic channel extending from the microfluidic reservoir.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for characterizing a biomolecule parameter by a nanopore-containing membrane, and also methods for making devices that can be used in the methods and devices provided herein. The nanopore membrane is a multilayer stack of conducting layers and dielectric layers, wherein an embedded conducting layer or conducting layer gates provides well-controlled and measurable electric fields in and around the nanopore through which the biomolecule translocates. In an aspect, the conducting layer is graphene.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments for a computer-implemented method, system, and device for tracking multiphase flow in a microfluidic device. Embodiments include receiving first readings from a first sensor of the microfluidic device, the first reading representing a detection of a fluid at an interface between the fluid and the first sensor, and receiving second readings from a second sensor of the microfluidic device, the second readings representing a detection of the fluid at an interface between the fluid and the second sensor, wherein the first sensor is located at a distance from the second sensor. Embodiments also include calculating a flow speed of the fluid in the microfluidic device based at least in part on a difference of time between the detections by the first sensor and the second sensor, and the distance between the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods involving interconnected plate components, including bases, lids and covers, interconnected in a manner such that a continuous strip of each component is prepared. The continuous strips may be stored as rollstock in a reel style. The physical properties of each continuous strip allow the base, lid and/or cover to include means for positive control. In one embodiment, the continuous strip of bases is advanced and processed through an automated system with positive control, and remains in the form of a continuous strip until agar in the bases is cured, at which time the bases are singulated. When a lid is applied to a base using methods described herein, an airtight seal is formed improving the quality of culture media used in testing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cartridge for use in nucleic acid extraction and a nucleic acid extraction method which can simplify a nucleic acid extraction process and can be applicable to a point-of-care testing (POCT). The cartridge includes a chamber module, an air valve module, and a liquid valve module. The chamber module includes a plurality of chambers for extracting nucleic acids from a sample including a pretreatment chamber in which the sample is crushed and homogenization, cell disruption, and purification are performed. The air valve module is installed on the chamber module to control a pressure required to move a fluid between the plurality of chambers. The liquid valve module is installed below the chamber module to move the fluid between the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a microfluidic device is described. The microfluidic device includes a reservoir to contain a first thermally expandable fluid, a first heater to heat the thermally expandable fluid in the reservoir, a channel extending from the reservoir and connected to the reservoir at a first opening, and a liquid volume obstructing the channel.

Abstract: A testing assembly for lateral flow assay comprising a liquid sample receiving unit arranged on a support structure defining a plane and configured to receive a liquid sample via the liquid sample receiving interface, at least one testing strip having, in a planar state, a testing strip center line length (L) in a longitudinal direction, a testing strip width in a width direction and a testing strip thickness, and comprising a capillary wick that includes a test portion that comprises a reacting material configured to react in a predetermined manner to a pre-specified analyte, wherein the width direction of the testing strip extends at an angle smaller than 90° with respect to a normal of the plane, and wherein the testing strip is curved, resulting in an effective extension being shorter than the testing strip center line length in the planar state.

Abstract: This automated analysis device is provided with a plurality of analysis units for analyzing a specimen, a buffer portion which holds a plurality of specimen racks on which are placed specimen containers holding the specimen, a sampler portion which conveys the specimen racks held in the buffer portion to the analysis units, and a control portion which, when performing a process to deliver the specimen racks to the plurality of analysis units, outputs synchronization signals to all the plurality of analysis units, wherein the analysis unit performs a delivery process starting from the synchronization signal, and the analysis unit performs a delivery process starting from the synchronization signal.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of sensitive and specific methylation detection by a) controlling excessive DNA degradation prior to conversion by incubating DNA conversion reagent (e.g. bisulfite reagent) directly with a nucleic acid containing sample without requiring prior nucleic acid purification from the sample and without requiring prior nucleic acid denaturation at elevated temperatures of 98° C. and, b) optimizing bisulfite removal by controlling the pumping rate flow of the bisulfite treated sample over an extraction membrane inside an automated system. In some embodiments, a cartridge for the detection of methylated DNA is provided.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus for monitoring a valve having a control element, wherein the control element is actuated by an actuator, having: an adaptor between the control element and the actuator, wherein the adaptor couples a valve stem of the control element to the actuator; and an electronics module contained within the adaptor, wherein the electronics module further comprises one or more sensors.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an arrangement (100) in a capillary driven fluid system for metering a predetermined volume of sample fluid. The arrangement comprises a sample reservoir (SR) arranged to receive a sample fluid, a first channel (C1) which is in fluid communication with the sample reservoir (SR) and which branches off into a second channel (C2) ending at a first valve (V1) and a third channel (C3) ending at a second valve (V2). The second channel (C2) and the third channel (C3) together have a predetermined volume, and the first channel (C1) is arranged to draw sample fluid from the sample reservoir (SR) by use of capillary forces to fill the second channel (C2) and the third channel (C3) with the predetermined volume of sample fluid. By selectively opening the first valve (V1) and the second valve (V2), a capillary driven flow may be formed, thereby causing the predetermined volume of sample fluid to flow out through the first valve (V1).

Abstract: Nanofluidic flow cells and systems for single-molecule nanoconfinement and imaging of molecules in a fluid are described. The nanofluidic flow cell comprises a bottom substrate bonded to a top substrate, microchannels and a central chamber carved in the bottom or top substrate. The microchannels and the central chamber define an empty space into which a fluid can flow. The microchannels extend on opposite side of the central chamber, each microchannel comprising a central portion crossing the central chamber and a pair of arms extending outside the central chamber, these arms comprising a fluid port positioned at opposite ends of the microchannel and outside the central chamber. The central chamber comprises a nanoconfinement and imaging area including carved nanostructures configured for single-molecule nanoconfinement. Also described are nanofluidic chips, methods of confinement, pneumatic-based nanofluidic systems and manifold assembly for the nanofluidic flow cell.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a property of a bodily sample using a microscope are described. A sample carrier includes a plurality of microscopy sample chambers configured to receive a least a portion of the bodily sample, while the sample is imaged by the microscope. Each of the microscopy sample chambers has an upper and a lower surface, and the microscopy sample chambers have respective heights between the upper and lower surfaces that are different from each other. The sample carrier defines a microscopy sample chamber inlet hole, that is fluid communication with all of the microscopy sample chambers, such as to facilitate filling of all of the microscopy sample chambers with the portion of the bodily sample, via the microscopy sample chamber inlet hole. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for determining a property of a bodily sample using a microscope and optical-density-measurement apparatus, the apparatus including a sample carrier that includes a plurality of microscopy sample chambers configured to receive a first portion of the sample and to facilitate imaging of the first portion of the sample by the microscope, each of the microscopy sample chambers having an upper and a lower surface, and having respective heights between the upper and lower surfaces that are different from each other. The sample carrier includes at least one optical-density-measurement chamber configured to receive a second portion of the sample, and to facilitate optical density measurements being performed optical-density-measurement apparatus upon the second portion of the sample. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and compositions are described for the measurement of metal and/or metalloid elements, including selenium in samples. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a sensor and/or array of sensors to measure metal and/or metalloid analytes, e.g., sensor and/or array of sensors having a chelator molecule, the chelator molecule including a peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous and subcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods for sorting sperm cells in a microfluidic chip. In particular, various steps are incorporated to align and orienting sperm in flow channels, as well as, to determining sperm orientation and measure relative DNA content for analysis and/or sorting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor assembly (1) for body fluids.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a property of a bodily sample using a microscope are described. A sample carrier includes a plurality of microscopy sample chambers configured to receive a least a portion of the bodily sample, while the sample is imaged by the microscope. Each of the microscopy sample chambers has an upper and a lower surface, and the microscopy sample chambers have respective heights between the upper and lower surfaces that are different from each other. The sample carrier defines a microscopy sample chamber inlet hole, that is fluid communication with all of the microscopy sample chambers, such as to facilitate filling of all of the microscopy sample chambers with the portion of the bodily sample, via the microscopy sample chamber inlet hole. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A combined vapor and/or gas concentration sensor and switch includes a resonating structure, a first alternating current, AC, voltage source coupled to a drive electrode, the first AC voltage source providing the resonating structure with a first voltage having an amplitude causing a first vibration mode of the resonating structure to exhibit a pull-in band and having a first frequency response adjacent to the pull-in band, where the first frequency response is nonlinear, a second AC voltage source coupled to the drive electrode and providing a second voltage having a frequency so that a second frequency response of the resonant structure, adjacent to a third vibration mode, is linear, and a read-out circuit coupled configured to determine a vapor and/or gas concentration based on a difference between (1) the frequency of the second voltage and (2) a frequency obtained by the read-out circuit from the resonating structure.