Abstract: The present invention provides novel and non-obvious improvements to dried blood spot testing for HIV-1 viral load useful for diagnosis and monitoring treatment progression.

Abstract: Provided herein are biomolecular hybridization devices comprising a substrate with a permanently and covalently attached surface of functional groups and an adsorbed monolayer of unmodified, single-stranded oligonucleotides all of which are 10 to about 24 bases in length as a saturated film of constrained oligonucleotides on the surface via direct non-covalent phosphate-surface adsorptive contact of substantially all phosphate groups of each oligonucleotide. The constrained oligonucleotides are effective to dissociably hybridize to a complementary single-stranded nucleic acid with asymmetric, non-helical base pairing and without oligonucleotide dissociation from the surface of the device. Also, provided are methods for hybridizing solution-state target nucleic acids to probe nucleic acids and for identifying a nucleotide sequence to which a nucleotide-binding protein binds using the biomolecular hybridization devices.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultra-rapid nucleic acid amplification method performed in a flow channel. Specifically, the invention provides a nucleic acid amplification method for performing a PCR reaction by supplying a PCR sample solution to a nucleic acid amplification device comprising a serpentine channel adapted to perform at least one PCR cycle, the nucleic acid amplification device comprising a DNA denaturation temperature zone corresponding to the curved portions at one side, an annealing temperature zone corresponding to the curved portions at the other side, and an extension temperature zone positioned between the annealing and DNA denaturation temperature zones, wherein the PCR sample solution is introduced in the form of sample plugs separated by gas into the serpentine channel using a pump, the sample solution being supplied into the channel in a state such that the solution is separated by gas into a segment corresponding to one PCR cycle or smaller segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method of error-free sequencing of DNA. Further, the present invention provides for a four-part oligonucleotide, comprising a fixed sequence, a randomized sequence, a restriction nuclease recognition site and/or restriction site, and a primer binding site. The invention also relates to the use of the sequenced DNA fragments obtained by the methods of the invention in methods for DNA sequence analysis, generation of cell lineage trees or assessment of copy numbers.

Abstract: Methods for imaging are described, including, but not limited to a method comprising: (1) contacting a sample being tested for the presence of one or more targets with one or more target-specific binding partners, wherein each target-specific binding partner is linked to a docking strand, and wherein target-specific binding partners of different specificity are linked to different docking strands, (2) optionally removing unbound target-specific binding partners, (3) contacting the sample with antigen-bound imager strands and antigen-specific binding partners linked (directly or indirectly) to optical labels, wherein the antigen-bound imager strands have complementarity to a docking strand, directly or indirectly, and wherein each antigen-specific binding partner is linked to one or more optical labels, and wherein antigen-specific binding partners of different specificity are linked to distinct optical labels, (4) optionally removing unbound antigen-bound imager strands and/or antigen-specific binding partner

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation of a thermostable DNA polymerase which is completely free of detergents and its particular use in real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Such a formulation may be obtained if the selected purification method does not require the addition of a detergent at any purification step.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence of a reaction mixture in a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The method includes contacting the reaction mixture with EMR frequency absorbing particles formed from a material having a transition metal, transition metal oxide or a transition metal hydroxide, or a nitride, a phosphide or an arsenide of a Group III metal doped with the transition metal or a transition metal oxide, or silicon dioxide doped with the transition metal, transition metal oxide, or transition metal hydroxide; and irradiating the EMR absorbing particles with EMR having a frequency of about 200 kHz to 500 THz to amplify the target nucleic acid sequence, wherein the Group III metal is any one of Al, Ga, and In, and the transition metal is any one of Mn, Fe, Co and Cu.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for whole genome amplification and sequencing. In particular, provided herein are systems and methods for detection of nucleic acid variants (e.g., rare variants) in limited samples.

Abstract: A microchip comprises a PCR section, a denaturing section, and an electrophoresis section. In the PCR section, a desired region in DNA is amplified. In the denaturing section, PCR amplicon of double-strand DNA is denatured into single-strand DNA. In the electrophoresis section, the PCR amplicon is separated based on the length of sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for nucleic acid sequencing includes: a base-detection device in a detection site, the base-detection device being configured to detect bases of a portion of a nucleic acid strand at the detection site; and a conveying device, configured to extend the nucleic acid strand and to cause the extended nucleic acid strand to slide through the detection site along a path. The base-detection device includes a plurality of field-effect nanowire detectors, arranged along the path and each including a respective nanowire and nucleic acid probes, which are defined by respective base sequences and are fixed to the respective nanowire.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for determining the identify of an organism or virus in a sample comprising the steps of: isolating DNA or RNA from the sample; combining the DNA or RNA directly or with one or more universal or target specific amplification primers, wherein the one or more primers are specific for one or more group of target microorganisms or virus; and amplifying the DNA, or the RNA following reverse transcription with a reverse transcriptase; and contacting the amplification product with one or more species-, organism- or virus-specific detectable marker.

Abstract: A fluidic testing system is presented that includes a plurality of test chambers, a plurality of inlet channels, and a fluidic network that connects the inlet channels to one or more other chambers. The plurality of test chambers are each characterized by a length and a hydraulic diameter. The length of each test chamber is aligned substantially parallel to a gravity vector. Each of the test chambers has only one opening disposed along the length of the corresponding test chamber. Additionally, each of the test chambers is coupled via its respective opening to only one of the plurality of inlet channels.

Abstract: A method of cleaving DNA molecules into smaller fragments by the creation of “cleavage trigger sites” followed by enzymatic processing. In some embodiments the “cleavage trigger sites” are created by the incorporation of nucleotides having uracil bases into a DNA molecule and processing with uracil DNA glycosylase, endonuclease IV and T7 endonuclease I.

Abstract: A method of aligning a plurality of targets is provided. The method includes generating a plurality of targets. A third phase includes the plurality of targets. The method further includes combining a first phase, a second phase, and the third phase in a volume. The first phase, the second phase, and the third phase are substantially immiscible, and the third phase is in fluid communication with the first phase and the second phase, and the first phase, the second phase, and the third phase are operable to be in a configuration of the third phase between the first phase and the second phase in the volume.

Abstract: Improvements on the basic method used for BEAMing increase sensitivity and increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The improvements have permitted the determination of intrinsic error rates of various DNA polymerases and have permitted the detection of rare and subtle mutations in DNA isolated from plasma of cancer patients.

Abstract: Improved solid supports and methods for analyzing target nucleotide sequences are provided herein. Certain improvements are directed to efficiently preparing nucleic acids that comprise nucleotide sequences identical to or substantially identical to one or more target nucleotide sequences, or complement thereof. The prepared nucleic acids include a reference sequence that facilitates sequence analysis. The solid supports and methods provided herein minimize the number of steps required by published sequence analysis methodologies, and thereby offer improved sequence analysis efficiency.

Abstract: A method for real-time quantitative detection of single-type, target nucleic acid sequences amplified using a PCR in a microwell, comprising introducing in the microwell a sample comprising target nucleic acid sequences, magnetic primers, and labelling probes; performing an amplification cycle to form labelled amplicons; attracting the magnetic primers to a surface through a magnetic field to form a layer including labelled amplification products and free magnetic primers; and detecting the labelled amplification products in the layer with a surface-specific reading method.

Abstract: The disclosed invention include nucleic acid oligomers that may be used as amplification oligomers, including primers, as capture probes for sample preparation, and detection probes for detection of 16S rRNA from Atopobium vaginae in samples by using methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection.

Abstract: A method for carrying out nucleic acid amplification reactions using a microfluidic device is described. Amplification primers and other amplification reagents are deposited at a plurality of reaction sites in the device, a sample solution containing amplifiable polynucleotides is introduced into the reaction sites, and amplification is carried out.

Abstract: Amplification reaction mixtures comprising a cationic surfactant and an anionic surfactant are provided.