Abstract: The present invention generally relates to microfluidic droplets and, including forming gels within microfluidic droplets. In some aspects, a fluid containing agarose or other gel precursors is transported into a microfluidic droplet, and caused to harden within the droplet, e.g., to form a gel particle contained within the microfluidic droplet. Surprisingly, a discrete gel particle may be formed even if the fluid containing the agarose or other gel precursor, and the fluid contained within the microfluidic droplet, are substantially immiscible. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to techniques for making or using such gels within microfluidic droplets, kits containing such gels within microfluidic droplets, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the arrangement of droplets in pre-determined locations. Many applications require the collection of time-resolved data. Examples include the screening of cells based on their growth characteristics or the observation of enzymatic reactions. The present invention provides a tool and related techniques which addresses this need, and which can be used in many other situations. The invention provides, in one aspect, a tool that allows for stable storage and indexing of individual droplets. The invention can interface not only with microfluidic/microscale equipment, but with macroscopic equipment to allow for the easy injection of liquids and extraction of sample droplets, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a broadband achromatic metasurface waveplate including a device that includes a plurality of nanostructures physically coupled to a substrate and formed at least partially of a dielectric material having a first refractive index and an anti-reflective film applied to a surface of the device. The anti-reflective film may include a material having a second refractive index that is less than the first refractive index. The device and the anti-reflective film may modify incident light with wavelengths extending over a bandwidth of at least 100 nanometers to impart a substantially uniform phase retardation across the wavelengths and a transmittance of at least 90 percent across the wavelengths.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for labeling cells using click chemistry reagents. The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide a specific and efficient means of localizing desired agents to a variety of cell types in vivo and in vitro. The compositions and methods disclosed herein can be used to deliver a variety of desired agents to a cell or population of cells to direct cell fate and/or cell differentiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for conducting prime editing of a target DNA molecule (e.g., a genome) that enables the incorporation of a nucleotide change and/or targeted mutagenesis. The nucleotide change can include a single-nucleotide change (e.g., any transition or any transversion), an insertion of one or more nucleotides, or a deletion of one or more nucleotides. More in particular, the disclosure provides fusion proteins comprising nucleic acid programmable DNA binding proteins (napDNAbp) and a polymerase (e.g., reverse transcriptase), which is guided to a specific DNA sequence by a modified guide RNA, named an PEgRNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified bacteria and methods of optimizing genetically modified bacteria for the production of a metabolite.

Abstract: An optical component comprises a metasurface comprising nanoscale elements. The metasurface is configured to receive incident light and to generate optical outputs. The geometries and/or orientations of the nanoscale elements provide a first optical output upon receiving a polarized incident light with a first polarization, and provide a second optical output upon receiving a polarized incident light with a second polarization that is different from the first polarization.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for targeting nucleic acids. In particular, the invention provides non-naturally occurring or engineered DNA-targeting systems comprising a novel DNA-targeting CRISPR effector protein and at least one targeting nucleic acid component like a guide RNA. Methods for making and using and uses of such systems, methods, and compositions and products from such methods and uses are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The invention provides for delivery, engineering and optimization of systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to ensure enhanced specificity for target recognition and avoidance of toxicity.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for altering expression of target gene sequences and related gene products. Provided are structural information on the Cas protein of the CRISPR-Cas system, use of this information in generating modified components of the CRISPR complex, vectors and vector systems which encode one or more components or modified components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors and components. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in eukaryotic cells and methods for utilizing the CRISPR-Cas system. In particular the present invention comprehends optimized functional CRISPR-Cas enzyme systems.

Abstract: The technology uses aggregated health data and outbreak models to conduct differential diagnosis and provide risk assessments that indicate a likelihood of contracting COVID-19. A healthcare organization server provides COVID-19 diagnostic kits and health applications to participating computing devices that log user health data and registers contacts with other participating users via wireless interactions. The organization compares received data with data received from computing devices from a plurality of other users and identifies common occurrences. The server creates an outbreak model of a geographic region based on the data. The server communicates a determined likelihood of contracting COVID-19 of the user to the user computing device. The server provides the outbreak model to the user, healthcare workers, or others for use in responding to the outbreak.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a combination of molecular barcoding and emulsion-based microfluidics to isolate, lyse, barcode, and prepare nucleic acids from individual cells in a high-throughput manner.

Abstract: Optical devices and their fabrication from thin film lithium niobate are provided. In some embodiments, an optical device includes a substrate and an optical waveguide disposed on the substrate. The optical waveguide comprises lithium niobate. The optical waveguide has a central ridge extending laterally along the substrate. A pair of electrodes is disposed on opposite sides of the central ridge of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a resistance switching layer, a gate on the resistance switching layer, a gate oxide layer between the resistance switching layer and the gate, and a source and a drain, spaced apart from each other, on the resistance switching layer. A resistance value of the resistance switching layer is changed based on an illumination of light irradiated onto the resistance switching layer and is maintained as a changed resistance value.

Abstract: A flexible anchor member comprising a member for placement about a body part; at least one substantially inextensible textile element circumscribing the member and secured to itself or the member; and a force transfer coupler coupling a portion of the at least one substantially inextensible textile element to an actuator such that the substantially inextensible textile element constricts about the member for a duration of an applied force. Another flexible anchor member comprising an outer member including a substantially inextensible textile material configured for directing a force applied by an actuator to act upon all or a portion of the body part; an inner member for positioning between the body part and the outer member, a first surface of the inner member configured for frictionally engaging the body part or intervening clothing; and at least one coupler for coupling the outer member and the inner member.

Abstract: The application relates to methods for compositions for identifying lncRNA loci associated with target genotypes or phenotypes, including desirable plant genotypes or phenotype. The application also relates to regulatory regions and genes associated with drug resistance, such as resistance to BRAF-inhibitors. Such regulatory regions and genes form the basis for methods for identifying resistance to BRAF-inhibitors, which is useful for improving disease prognosis, treatment, and likely outcomes. The regulatory regions and genes are also suitable targets for therapy in melanoma that is resistant to BRAF-inhibitors.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing, characterizing, mounting, and a system of a probe may include a pillar having a taper angle and at least one engineered defect. The taper angle may be formed using crystallographic- or etching-based techniques. The probe may be mounted to an AFM chip. Furthermore, an RF waveguide may be connected to the AFM chip for providing RF excitation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating weight related conditions and metabolic disorders by altering microbiota in a subject. One aspect provides methods and compositions to alter microbiota in a subject by administering to the subject a composition that includes a substantially purified microbiota from phyla such as Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia or orders such as Bacteroidales, Verrucomicrobiales, Clostridiales and Enterobacteriales or genera such as Alistipes, Clostridium, Escherichia, and Akkermansia. Another aspect includes a pharmaceutical composition for altering microbiota that includes a therapeutically effective amount of substantially purified microbiota and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Yet another aspect includes methods for treating a disorder, such as obesity, in a subject in need of such treatment by changing relative abundance of microbiota in a gastrointestinal tract of the subject without or in addition to a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Aspects of the present application provides for enhanced catalytic materials, which can feature multiple functional and/or catalytic species, and methods of their formation. The materials can include catalytic nanoparticles (NPs) partially embedded within a supporting matrix. Treatment of the material, e.g., thermal, optical, microwave, plasma, and/or chemical treatment, can lead to the formation of functionally, e.g., catalytic or co-catalytic, relevant chemical and structural/morphological species or features at the NP-matrix, NP-pore, and matrix-pore interfaces. The treated material is characterized by enhanced properties, e.g., greater mechanical stability.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for promoting biostasis or preservation of a cell, tissue or organ during cancer treatment or for transplantation comprising contacting the cell, tissue or organ with an agonist of the ?-opioid receptor, SNC-80, an or Donepezil. Further provided herein is a method of treating a hematological neoplastic disease.