Abstract: The invention is related to chimeric Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) containing and displaying epitopes and antigen from Zika Virus (ZIKV); and to methods for creation and production of such chimeric VLPs to their applications, including but not limited to vaccines, diagnostics, clinical studies, assay development and antibody discovery.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses nucleic acids, methods, compositions, and kits for sensitive, rapid and specific detection of Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, Ureaplasma, Phytoplasma and Spiroplasma species in a sample. The invention utilizes specific primers and amplification methods that permit differentiation between species due to specific amplification of target nucleic acids of contaminating Mollicute cells. In one embodiment, the invention utilizes the differing melting temperatures (Tm) of various potential PCR products to identify whether they are specific target amplification products, non-specific, non-target amplification products, specific positive control products, or primer-dimer products.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the identification of biological markers associated with an increased risk of developing Diabetes, as well as methods of using such biological markers in diagnosis and prognosis of Diabetes. The biological markers of the invention may indicate new targets for therapy or constitute new therapeutics for the treatment or prevention of Diabetes.