Abstract: An unmanned ground vehicle includes a main body, a drive system supported by the main body, a manipulator arm pivotally coupled to the main body, and a sensor module. The drive system includes right and left driven track assemblies mounted on right and left sides of the main body. The manipulator arm includes a first link coupled to the main body, an elbow coupled to the first link, and a second link coupled to the elbow. The elbow is configured to rotate independently of the first and second links. The sensor module is mounted on the elbow.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing a sample potentially comprising a target, comprising: (i) activating one or more components of the sample analysis system in preparation for a sample, wherein the sample analysis system comprises a heating element, a centrifuge, a thermocycler, an imager, a user interface, and a processor; (ii) obtaining a sample potentially comprising a target; (iii) adding the obtained sample to a sample preparation receptacle, the sample preparation receptacle comprising one or more reagents configured to maximize success of the sample analysis; (iv) heating the sample preparation receptacle, with the added sample, in the heating element of the sample analysis system at a first temperature for a first heating period of time; (v) centrifuging the sample preparation receptacle, after heating, for a first period of time using the centrifuge of the sample analysis system; (vi) transferring at least a portion of the sample, after centrifugation, from the sample preparation receptacle to a sampl

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for encoding and communicating detection results. In one example, a device includes a detector configured to capture measurement data in response to an external source. The device further includes one or more processors. The detection device further includes one or more memories including instructions stored therein, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include analyzing the measurement data to generate detection results. The operations further include generating a quick response (QR) code encoding at least a portion the detection results. The operations further include providing the QR code for access by an external device. Additional devices and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A mobile robot includes a robot chassis having a forward end, a rearward end and a center of gravity. The robot includes a driven support surface to propel the robot and first articulated arm rotatable about an axis located rearward of the center of gravity of the robot chassis. The arm is pivotable to trail the robot, rotate in a first direction to raise the rearward end of the robot chassis while the driven support surface propels the chassis forward in surmounting an obstacle, and to rotate in a second opposite direction to extend forward beyond the center of gravity of the robot chassis to raise the forward end of the robot chassis and invert the robot endwise.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to detect the direction and location of one or more radiation sources. In one example, a system includes a plurality of radiation detectors configured to receive radiation from a radiation source. A first one of the radiation detectors is positioned to at least partially occlude a second one of the radiation detectors to attenuate the radiation received by the second radiation detector. The system also includes a processor configured to receive detection information provided by the first and second radiation detectors in response to the radiation, and determine a direction of the radiation source using the detection information. A modular system including gamma radiation detectors and neutron radiation detectors and related methods are also provided. In some cases, radiation source type may be determined in addition to or separate from radiation source direction.

Abstract: The present teachings relate generally to a small remote vehicle having rotatable flippers and a weight of less than about 10 pounds and that can climb a conventional-sized stairs. The present teachings also relate to a small remote vehicle can be thrown or dropped fifteen feet onto a hard/inelastic surface without incurring structural damage that may impede its mission. The present teachings further relate to a small remote vehicle having a weight of less than about 10 pounds and a power source supporting missions of at least 6 hours.

Abstract: Provided herein, in some embodiments, are rapid diagnostic tests to detect one or more target nucleic acid sequences (e.g., a nucleic acid sequence of one or more pathogens). In some embodiments, the pathogens are viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or protozoan pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 or an influenza virus. Further embodiments provide methods of detecting genetic abnormalities. Diagnostic tests comprising a sample-collecting component, one or more reagents (e.g., lysis reagents, nucleic acid amplification reagents), and a detection component (e.g., a component comprising a lateral flow assay strip) are provided.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide a radiation detector module for a radiation detector. A radiation detector module includes a metallic and/or metalized enclosure, a radiation sensor disposed within the enclosure, readout electronics configured to provide radiation detection event signals corresponding to incident ionizing radiation in the radiation sensor, and a cap including an internal interface configured to couple to the readout electronics and an external interface configured to couple to a radiation detector, where the cap is configured to hermetically seal the radiation sensor within the enclosure. The cap may be implemented as an edge plated printed circuit board (PCB) including a slot configured to mate with a planar edge of an open surface of the enclosure, where the slot is soldered to the planar edge of the enclosure to hermetically seal the radiation sensor within the enclosure.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for calibration systems and methods for analyte detectors. In one example, a system may include a calibration device configured to operate with an analyte detector. The calibration device may include a chamber configured to receive a sample and pass at least a portion of the sample including analytes to the analyte detector for examination. The calibration device may further include a reservoir including a calibrant and configured to be selectively positioned in the chamber as the sample to provide the portion of the sample including the analytes to calibrate the analyte detector. Additional systems and related methods are provided.

Abstract: Diagnostic devices for performing diagnostic tests are provided, as well as methods that utilize the diagnostic devices, methods for manufacturing the diagnostic devices, and test kits for performing the diagnostic tests. The diagnostic devices may include a sample chamber; a fluid chamber connected to the sample chamber by a conduit; and a test chamber separated from the sample chamber by a breakable seal. A movable liner may form a portion of an inner surface of the sample chamber. The sample chamber may be configured to receive a sample swab, which may move in a first direction when being inserted in the sample chamber to an inserted position, and which may to move in a second direction to cause the breakable seal to break. Movement of the sample swab in the second direction may cause the liner to move in the second direction to break the breakable seal.

Abstract: Provided herein, in some embodiments, are rapid diagnostic tests to detect one or more target nucleic acid sequences (e.g., a nucleic acid sequence of one or more pathogens). In some embodiments, the pathogens are viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or protozoan pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 or an influenza virus. Further embodiments provide methods of detecting genetic abnormalities. Diagnostic tests comprising a sample-collecting component, one or more reagents (e.g., lysis reagents, nucleic acid amplification reagents), and a detection component (e.g., a component comprising a lateral flow assay strip and/or a colorimetric assay) are provided.

Abstract: Diagnostic devices for performing diagnostic tests are provided, as well as methods that utilize the diagnostic devices, methods for manufacturing the diagnostic devices, and test kits for performing the diagnostic tests. The diagnostic devices include a vial, a rupturable container disposed in an internal cavity of the vial and containing a fluid, and a test and readout device in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the vial. The rupturable container is configured to rupture during a test procedure of the diagnostic test to enable the fluid to flow into the internal cavity of the vial. The rupturable container may include a rupturable ampoule or a frangible seal. The rupturable container may be ruptured by deformation of the vial or by piercing caused by a sharp object in the vial or a sample swab inserted in the vial.

Abstract: Described herein in an embodiment is a lateral flow assay strip for detecting the presence of one or more target nucleic acid sequences (e.g., one or more nucleic acid sequences of a pathogen, such as a coronavirus or an influenza virus). The lateral flow assay strip may comprise a first test line configured to detect a first target nucleic acid sequence and a flow control line configured to detect a liquid. In some cases, the first test line comprises a biological capture reagent (e.g., an immobilized antibody). In some cases, the flow control line comprises a non-biological fluid indicator (i.e., a non-antibody reagent). The non-biological fluid indicator may, for example, comprise a pH-sensitive material, a moisture-sensitive material, and/or a chemically-sensitive material. The flow control line may provide a visual indication of whether a fluidic sample was successfully transported from a first end of the lateral flow assay strip to the first test line.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for amplifying and/or detecting one or more target nucleic acid sequences (e.g., a nucleic acid sequence of one or more pathogens), and use of a trap region or reagent to reduce the level of one or more target nucleic acid analytes in an amplified sample prior to or in conjunction with detection. In some embodiments, the pathogens are viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or protozoan pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 or an influenza virus. In some embodiments, the methods comprise isothermal amplification of a target nucleic acid and subsequent reduction in the level of one or more target nucleic acid analytes and detection of the amplification products.

Abstract: The disclosure relates, in some aspects, to compositions and methods for amplifying nucleic acids. In some embodiments, the disclosure describes solid compositions comprising a first enzyme (e.g., a reverse transcriptase) and a second enzyme (e.g., a polymerase), and optionally a third enzyme (e.g., a Uracil-DNA glycosylase), where each enzyme is under the control of a molecular switch. In some embodiments, solid compositions described by the disclosure allow for single-tube, temperature-controlled lysis, decontamination, and amplification of nucleic acid s (e.g., DNA or RNA) from a biological sample without the need to add additional reaction components or transfer the reaction mixture from one container to another.