Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting differences in copy number of a target polynucleotide. In some cases, the methods and compositions provided herein are useful for diagnosis of fetal genetic abnormalities, when the starting sample is maternal tissue (e.g., blood, plasma). The methods and materials described apply techniques for allowing detection of small, but statistically significant, differences in polynucleotide copy number.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for detecting polynucleotides in a sample and for quantifying polynucleotide load in a sample. The polynucleotides can be associated with a disease, disorder, or condition. In some applications, methylated DNA is quantified, e.g., in order to determine the load of polynucleotides in a sample. The present disclosure also provides methods and compositions for determining the load of fetal polynucleotides in a biological sample, e.g., the load of fetal polynucleotides (e.g., DNA, RNA) in maternal plasma. The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for detecting cellular processes such as cellular viability, growth rates, and infection rates. This disclosure also provides compositions and methods for detecting differences in copy number of a target polynucleotide. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions provided herein are useful for diagnosis of fetal genetic abnormalities, when the starting sample is maternal tissue (e.g.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting differences in copy number of a target polynucleotide. In some cases, the methods and compositions provided herein are useful for diagnosis of fetal genetic abnormalities, when the starting sample is maternal tissue (e.g., blood, plasma). The methods and materials described apply techniques for allowing detection of small, but statistically significant, differences in polynucleotide copy number.

Abstract: An autonomous monitoring apparatus for monitoring air, water, soil, or other substance for bioagents. A collector gathers a quantity of the air, water, soil, or other substance being monitored. A sample preparation system prepares a sample of the selected potential bioagent particles. The sample is analyzed by a system for detecting said bioagents.

Abstract: A nucleic acid assay system for analyzing a sample using a reagent. A sample and reagent delivery unit is operatively connected to a thermal cycler for delivering the sample and the reagent to the thermal cycler. A hybridization chamber is operatively connected to the thermal cycler. A flow cytometer is operatively connected to the hybridization chamber.

Abstract: Contact based rigid pin tool technology is utilized to print one or more indicator chemistries on an optical array or a disposable sheath configured on such arrays. Each indicator chemistry contains predetermined material, such as, light energy absorbing dye(s), optically responsive particles, etc., whose optical characteristics change in response to the target ligand or analyte. By spectrally monitoring such changes using fluorescence and/or absorption spectroscopy, detection and/or quantitation of the target ligand or analyte can be obtained.