Abstract: Disclosed is a method of studying floating living cell by confining the cells floating in an aqueous medium in picowells located on a bottom surface of a top wall of a chamber. Disclosed is also a picowell-bearing device for the study of cells comprising a chamber having at least one picowell on a bottom surface of the chamber. Also disclosed is a picowell-bearing device for the study of cells comprising a chamber having at least one picowell on an internal surface and at least one moveable wall, a force applicator configured to removeably apply a substantially uniformly distributed force around the periphery of the moveable wall in a direction to retain the moveable wall secured to the chamber.

Abstract: A device for studying individual cells including a picowell array (such as an array of microwells, dimples, depressions, tubes or enclosures) and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the picowells through channels is disclosed. Preferably, the device has a moveable lid that in one rest location allows loading of cells in the picowell array. Preferably the channels of the device are capillary channels. Also disclosed is a device for the automated study of cells including a picowell-bearing device having a picowell array with a moveable lid, a lid-moving component, at least one solution dispensing component and a control system functionally associated with the lid-moving component as well as with the solution dispensing component.

Abstract: A method for individually moving small objects, such as cells, from one location to another as well as a device for implementing the method is disclosed. A small object such as a cell is isolated at some initial location and moved to some destination location by the movement of the small object through a succession of intermediate locations until the small object arrives at the destination location. Also disclosed are methods of manipulating cells made possible by the method and device of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for individually moving small objects, such as cells, from one location to another as well as a device for implementing the method is disclosed. A small object such as a cell is isolated at some initial location and moved to some destination location by the movement of the small object through a succession of intermediate locations until the small object arrives at the destination location. Also disclosed are methods of manipulating cells made possible by the method and device of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for identifying images of wells in an image of a well-bearing object such as multiwell plates or picowell carriers is provided. An observation component, such as a camera, is used to approach focus of a focal point of a well-bottom. An image of the focal point is acquired. The image of the well-bottom focal point is then used as a reference point or used to define a reference point from which to identify the image of the well in the image of the well-bearing component and from which to delineate the borders of the well.

Abstract: A method of determining lymph node metastasis in a subject is disclosed, comprising determining at least one structural or functional parameter of a lymph node cell of a lymph node tissue of the subject, wherein an alteration in the at least one structural or functional parameter with respect to a lymph node cell of a healthy lymph node tissue is indicative of lymph node metastasis. Kits and articles of manufacture are also disclosed for determining lymph node metastasis in a subject as well as methods of diagnosing cancer in general.

Abstract: A method for selecting specific cells from amongst a group of cells and a device for implementing the method, the method including the use of a radiation sensitive medium having a first state that does not immobilize cells and a second state that immobilizes cells wherein the radiation sensitive medium locally transforms from the first state to the second state upon exposure to radiation.

Abstract: A method of determining a membrane potential is disclosed. The method comprises (a) determining a difference in fluorescence polarization of a charged fluorescent probe being distributed across the membrane; and (b) determining a potential of the membrane, wherein the potential is proportional to the difference in the fluorescent polarization.