Abstract: Provided is a nanoparticle including a scaffold, a single template site for bonding a template polynucleotide to the scaffold, and a plurality of accessory sites for bonding accessory oligonucleotides to the scaffold, wherein the scaffold is selected from an asymmetrical acrylamide polymer one or a dendrimer including lysyl constitutional repeating units, the single template site for bonding a template polynucleotide to the scaffold is selected from a covalent template bonding site and a noncovalent template bonding site and the plurality of accessory sites for bonding accessory oligonucleotides to the scaffold are selected from covalent accessory oligonucleotide bonding sites and noncovalent accessory oligonucleotide bonding sites. Also provided are methods of using the nanoparticle.

Abstract: The application provides an agnostic, shotgun nucleic acid sequencing-based method for the detection of pathogens in samples from human patients, animals, or plants. The method includes dehosting the sample of the nucleic acid molecules of host origin and provides for the detection of pathogens without prior knowledge of their genome sequences.

Abstract: An exercising device including a base plate and elastic straps extending from the base plate. The base plate is formed with lateral extensions on which a user can stand while stretching the elastic straps. At least one channel is provided in the base plate with at least one slot extending from the channel through the base plate. One end of each strap is connected to a block-like lug which securely fits into the channel, with the strap extending through the slot. In this way, the straps are securely held in position by the base plate. In addition to an upwardly extending vertical pair of straps, there also may be provided a horizontal pair of straps laterally extending from the base plate. One or more straps may be connected to one block-like lug, where the straps may extend in the same direction and/or at a right angle to each other.