Abstract: This invention is based, in part, on our discovery of an essentially one-step, label-free system comprising a sensing unit having a redox current reporter and a nucleic acid sequence complementary to that of a target nucleic acid of interest or sufficiently complementary to that of the target nucleic acid or a sequence therein to specifically bind the target nucleic acid. The sensing unit is bound to an electroconductive substrate (e.g., a carbon- or metal-containing microelectrode (e.g., a gold microelectrode)), and the system includes a signal amplification mechanism that does not rely upon a redox enzyme and thereby overcomes a fundamental limitation of microelectrode DNA sensors that fail to generate detectable current in the presence of only small amounts of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to conjugates for targeting bacteria and related uses. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of transferring a molecule of interest into bacteria comprising mixing bacteria with a non-naturally occurring conjugate under conditions such that the conjugate is transported across the bacterial cell wall. Typically, the conjugate comprises an oligosaccharide and a molecule of interest. In certain embodiments, the molecule of interest may be a tracer or an antibiotic.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating retroviral infection and methods of treating HIV infection. The methods of the present invention include administering compounds of the general Formula I: ##STR1## wherein L, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 are defined herein.

Abstract: The entire rubella virus genomic RNA has been sequenced. An infectious cDNA clone has been constructed. Mutants of this clone that are rendered non-pathogenic are used as vaccines to vaccinate humans, including pregnant or older women, with decreased risk of causing fetal infection, autoimmune disease or neurological symptoms.