Abstract: The invention provides methods and related products for extracting nucleic acids such as DNA from prokaryotic spores. The invention also encompasses methods for identifying the source of such spores via analysis of the isolated nucleic acids.

Abstract: A chamber in which an agent, like genomic DNA, may be harvested and optionally manipulated rapidly (e.g., on the order of a few hours), without shearing or fragmentation.

Abstract: An air sampler includes an inertial impactor with a compressible porous collector that receives particles greater than a lower threshold size from an air sample. Before reaching the collector, the air sample may pass through a sorter that prevents that removes particles above an upper threshold size. A mechanism transfers the compressible porous collector and base between the air sampler and a wash position outside of the air sampler. An agitator at the wash position may agitate the compressible porous collector to remove particles therefrom. The compressor may be wetted with various substances to facilitate particle collection from the air, preservation of particles on the collector, and removal of particles from the collector.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to devices and methods of use thereof for concentrating, positioning and/or manipulating agents within a fluid, including but not limited to genomic DNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for identifying, quantitating and/or analyzing analytes from samples. The analytes may be organic or inorganic in nature and include but are not limited to pathogens such as viruses.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for identifying, quantitating and/or analyzing analytes from samples. The analytes may be organic or inorganic in nature and include but are not limited to pathogens such as viruses.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for identifying, quantitating and/or analyzing analytes from samples. The analytes may be organic or inorganic in nature and include but are not limited to pathogens such as viruses.

Abstract: A detection system and methods for improving the ability of the detection system to recognize labels that are disposed on a polymer. Embodiments of the invention include schemes for selecting emitters and labels used within the system in a manner that allows an increase in the number of distinct labels that can be used together in a system. In other embodiments, the detection system and methods are directed to identifying portions of a detection signal that may be associated with extra labels residing within a detection zone. In other embodiments, the detection system and methods relate to using wide field imaging detectors while reducing out of focus noise contributions to detection signals of the system.

Abstract: A detection system and methods for improving the ability of the detection system to recognize labels that are disposed on a polymer. Embodiments of the invention include schemes for selecting emitters and labels used within the system in a manner that allows an increase in the number of distinct labels that can be used together in a system. In other embodiments, the detection system and methods are directed to identifying portions of a detection signal that may be associated with extra labels residing within a detection zone. In other embodiments, the detection system and methods relate to using wide field imaging detectors while reducing out of focus noise contributions to detection signals of the system. Still, other embodiments relate to the use of linear array detectors to detect labels.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for analyzing and characterizing single polymers such as nucleic acid molecules. In preferred embodiments, the single molecules are analyzed using single molecule detection and analysis systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for analyzing and characterizing single polymers such as nucleic acid molecules. In preferred embodiments, the single molecules are analyzed using single molecule detection and analysis systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for detecting and or analyzing an agent in a sample with a chip having optical components incorporated therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for modifying agents using fluidic fractionation chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for analyzing and characterizing single polymers such as nucleic acid molecules. In preferred embodiments, the single molecules are analyzed using single molecule detection and analysis systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for detecting and or analyzing an agent in a sample with a chip having optical components incorporated therein.

Abstract: Quantum dots and methods of use thereof for labeling and analyzing polymers such as nucleic acid molecules are described herein.

Abstract: Microfludic channels are constructed for use in preparing and/or analyzing samples. In one embodiment, a microchannel delivers multiple fluid samples from an upstream portion to a downstream portion of the channel where each of the fluid samples are separated from one another by a sheathing fluid that also travels toward the downstream portion. In another embodiment, a microchannel is constructed to create multiple elongational flows in series that can align polymers from a coiled state.

Abstract: Microfludic channels are constructed for use in preparing and/or analyzing samples. In one embodiment, a microfluidic channel receives a carrier fluid having both non-targets and targets. The non-targets are moved from the carrier fluid by diffusion and into sheathing fluids also present in the channel before contents of the carrier fluid are analyzed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for detecting and measuring microRNAs.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting and quantifying small RNA species such as miRNA, preferably associated with disease detection and diagnosis.