Abstract: The present invention provides a computer system and method for clustering data points. The system comprises a computer server and a client device, wherein the computer server is configured to: store a dataset comprising a plurality of data points; determine a plurality of candidate clusters for the plurality of data points, where each candidate cluster corresponds to a respective set of the plurality of data points; determine, for each candidate cluster, one or more properties of that candidate cluster; and transmit, to the client device, a sample of the plurality of data points, information indicative of the plurality of candidate clusters, and information indicative of the one or more properties determined for each candidate cluster.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method of identifying and characterising intact pathogens in a sample using a fluorescence imaging system, in particular for characterising bacteria and viruses, and associated systems and kits for implementing the imethod. The method involves incubating a sample with fluorescent probes from at least two of the following categories: a fluorescent probe for binding to a pathogen surface carbohydrate; a nucleic acid stain; and a membrane stain. The sample is then imaged using fluorescence imaging apparatus to detect candidate objects, and the fluorescence characteristics of the candidate objects used to identify whether the object is a pathogen and, if so, the type of pathogen. Particularly preferred implementations employ flow to improve data acquisition, and machine learning classification algorithms to distinguish different pathogen types.

Abstract: The present application discloses a measurement device incorporating a modular microfluidic system comprising standard modules which can be networked together via standardised connectors in a range of configurations. The measurement device includes a master microfluidic module connectable to an external pressure source, which has a socket for receiving a reagent cartridge, and can be used to drive flow of reagent from the reagent cartridge to an analysis chip. The master microfluidic module also has specialised pressure output and reagent input connectors which can be attached to secondary microfluidic modules, so that the master microfluidic modules can drive reagent from the secondary microfluidic modules to an analysis chip supported on the main microfluidic module. The application also describes a range of specialised cartridge types for use with the measurement device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of investigating the spatial organisation of proteins in or on cells, and the use of that spatial organisation information to inform decisions about medical interventions, especially in relation to cancer treatments including CAR-T therapy. The method involves detecting one or more species of proteins on each of the plurality of cells; obtaining respective spatial coordinates of the detected proteins within the plurality of cells; detecting boundaries of the plurality of cells; and constructing a data vector based on the obtained spatial coordinates and the detected boundaries.

Abstract: A detection system suitable for detecting pathogens present in a sample is presented. The detection system includes: a microfluidic channel configured to receive a sample solution containing a target biochemical component and configured to support a flow of the sample solution; an imaging lens; an excitation light source configured to emit an excitation light into a focal volume of the imaging lens; and a detector. The microfluidic channel comprises an observation section where the flow is aligned with respect to a central axis of the imaging lens such that the focal volume is within the observation section and the target biochemical component moves through a focal plane of the imaging lens during a movement along the observation section. The detector is configured to detect a light signal emitted by the target biochemical component on excitation with the excitation light.

Abstract: A method is presented for obtaining an optically-sectioned image of a sample. The method comprises: providing an illumination beam through an imaging lens such that the illumination beam is focused at a focal plane of the imaging lens; obtaining a plurality of images of the sample. Obtaining comprises providing the illumination beam at a plurality of lateral positions on the focal plane and obtaining each image at each lateral position of the illumination beam, such that an intensity of the illumination beam on a portion of the sample at the focal plane varies for each of the plurality of lateral positions. The method further comprises detecting, using a detector, signals collected via the imaging lens; and constructing the optically-sectioned image based on the plurality of images.

Abstract: An optical system is presented for optically imaging a sample including a nanoscale object. The optical system includes an imaging lens, an illumination source configured to provide an excitation light, a detector and a substrate for supporting the sample. A sample interface, arranged to reflect the excitation light, is formed between the sample and a first side of the substrate facing the sample when the sample is applied on the substrate. The optical imaging system is arranged such that the excitation light is sent into the substrate via the imaging lens and such that the detector receives a reference light and a scattered light. The reference light comprises a part of the excitation light reflected at the sample interface and collected by the imaging lens and the scattered light comprises a part of the excitation light scattered by the nanoscale object and collected by the imaging lens.

Abstract: The present application relates to assays and systems for the detection of analyte molecules in a liquid sample, preferably a biological sample. In particular the invention relates to a method for determining the presence of a target analyte in a liquid sample, comprising contacting and incubating the sample with a first proximity probe comprising an analyte-binding domain having specificity for the target analyte, wherein the first proximity probe is tethered to a solid support by a polymeric or biopolymeric tether molecule which alters the observed properties.