Abstract: A fluid exit passage is at a location along a microfluidic channel. A fluid displacement device is proximate the location along the microfluidic channel. A constituent locator distinguishes a target constituent in a fluid within the microfluidic channel from remaining non-target constituents and locate the target constituent proximate the fluid exit passage. A controller selectively actuates the fluid displacement device when the target constituent is proximate the fluid exit passage to discharge the target constituent from the microfluidic channel through the fluid exit passage.

Abstract: Provided in one example is an apparatus, including a substrate supporting a microfluidic channel, a bubble jet inertial pump supported by the substrate adjacent the microfluidic channel to pump fluid through the microfluidic channel and an optical sensor on a first side of the microfluidic channel. A light emitter on a second side of the microfluidic channel is to pass light across the microfluidic channel to the optical sensor.

Abstract: An example device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a sensor, a controller, and an injector. The sensor is to provide sensor output regarding fluid chemistry of a fluid of a cooling system. The controller is to identify attributes of the fluid. The injector is to inject at least one additive into the fluid to bring at least one attribute into a threshold range.

Abstract: Techniques for characterizing targets include obtaining multiple time series of images. Each image represents light measured in an interrogation area under conditions that cause only one optical marker type of at least two optical marker types to emit or scatter light. Each different time series indicates light measured from a different single optical marker type. The at least two optical marker types are configured to collocate with a single target type. The techniques include determining a path of a speck of light from an individual optical marker of a first optical marker type. The techniques also include determining whether the path corresponds to the target type based on persistence of collocation of a speck of light from each of the other optical marker types. The collocation can be based on maximum correlation in a portion of contemporaneous images. The persistence can be long compared to random separation times.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward methods and apparatuses for interacting a first liquid and a second liquid in one or more fluidic channels of a capillary structure. The methods and apparatuses can include providing at least one capillary barrier that positions a meniscus of the first liquid at a fluid-interface region using capillary forces within the capillary structure. Additionally, a path is provided along one of the channels for the second liquid to flow toward the fluid-interface region. Additionally, gas pressure is released, via a gas-outflow port, from the fluid-interface region while flow of the first liquid is arrested. Further, the first liquid and the second liquid contact in the fluid-interface region with the capillary barrier holding the first liquid at the fluid-interface region.

Abstract: Methods for preparing RNA from ribonuclease-rich sources while avoiding RNA degradation are described. The lysis protocol for ribonuclease-containing samples is performed at high pH to accelerate cell lysis and with a reducing agent that inactivates ribonucleases (RNases) by reducing disulfide bonds essential for RNase activity. Samples are briefly incubated for up to five minutes at high pH followed by addition of a reagent to lower the pH to a level at which the RNA is stable. This method of RNA extraction has many advantages over existing methods of RNA preparation, including that cell lysis is efficient, RNases are rapidly inactivated, and sample incubation times are short (less than 5 minutes), which protects RNA from degradation. The lysing procedure is performed entirely in aqueous solution with no heating, precipitations, or buffer exchanges required. Thus, a quick, simple procedure for extracting RNA is provided, which can easily be automated.

Abstract: Control of fluid flow in a fluidic network is provided by controlling phase transitions of a phase-change material between a liquid phase and a non-fluid phase. The phase-change material is disposed at ports of the fluidic network where the fluidic network is in communication with an ambient. This advantageously provides control of pressure-driven flow within the fluidic network without altering properties of fluids within the fluidic network.

Abstract: Methods for preparing RNA from ribonuclease-rich sources while avoiding RNA degradation are described. The lysis protocol for ribonuclease-containing samples is performed at high pH to accelerate cell lysis and with a reducing agent that inactivates ribonucleases (RNases) by reducing disulfide bonds essential for RNase activity. Samples are briefly incubated for up to five minutes at high pH followed by addition of a reagent to lower the pH to a level at which the RNA is stable. This method of RNA extraction has many advantages over existing methods of RNA preparation, including that cell lysis is efficient, RNases are rapidly inactivated, and sample incubation times are short (less than 5 minutes), which protects RNA from degradation. The lysing procedure is performed entirely in aqueous solution with no heating, precipitations, or buffer exchanges required. Thus, a quick, simple procedure for extracting RNA is provided, which can easily be automated.