Abstract: A cognitive aid device is disclosed, including a shell configured as a plush toy and a management system located at least partially within the shell. The management system includes a control module, a position module, a communication module, a proximity module, and an audio/visual (A/V) module. The cognitive aid device is arranged and configured to execute the instructions, and executing the instructions includes the cognitive aid device prompting an individual using the cognitive aid to perform an exercise or other cognitive movement routine described by the cognitive aid device, monitoring the individual, processing data received, and providing responsive stimulus to the individual indicating successful completion of the exercise or other cognitive movement routine or further prompting the individual to perform the exercise or other cognitive movement routine. A method for assisting an individual with the exercise or other cognitive movement routine is disclosed including providing the cognitive aid device.

Abstract: A method for identifying mitochondrial heteroplasmy within eukaryotic cells is provided. This method includes means for isolating and capturing a single mitochondrion from at least one eukaryotic cell, wherein the means for isolating and capturing a single mitochondrion further includes optical tweezers or a similar optical technology; means for analyzing the isolated and captured mitochondrion, wherein the means for analyzing the isolated and captured mitochondrion further includes a DNA amplification system and a sequencing system for amplifying and sequencing DNA extracted from the mitochondrion; means for identifying at least one mitochondrial heteroplasmy of interest; and means for using the DNA amplification and DNA sequencing systems to determine the presence or absence of the mitochondrial heteroplasmy within the eukaryotic cell from which the mitochondrion was obtained.

Abstract: A method for identifying mitochondrial heteroplasmy within eukaryotic cells is provided. This method includes means for isolating and capturing a single mitochondrion from at least one eukaryotic cell, wherein the means for isolating and capturing a single mitochondrion further includes optical tweezers or a similar optical technology; means for analyzing the isolated and captured mitochondrion, wherein the means for analyzing the isolated and captured mitochondrion further includes a DNA amplification system and a sequencing system for amplifying and sequencing DNA extracted from the mitochondrion; means for identifying at least one mitochondrial heteroplasmy of interest; and means for using the DNA amplification and DNA sequencing systems to determine the presence or absence of the mitochondrial heteroplasmy within the eukaryotic cell from which the mitochondrion was obtained.

Abstract: A system for identifying mitochondrial heteroplasmy within eukaryotic cells is provided. This system includes means for isolating and capturing a single mitochondrion from at least one eukaryotic cell, wherein the means for isolating and capturing a single mitochondrion further includes optical tweezers or a similar optical technology; means for analyzing the isolated and captured mitochondrion, wherein the means for analyzing the isolated and captured mitochondrion further includes a DNA amplification system and a sequencing system for amplifying and sequencing DNA extracted from the mitochondrion; means for identifying at least one mitochondrial heteroplasmy of interest; and means for using the DNA amplification and DNA sequencing systems to determine the presence or absence of the mitochondrial heteroplasmy within the eukaryotic cell from which the mitochondrion was obtained.