Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to electron microscopy sample preparation. In one aspect, a method includes providing an electron microscopy grid. An aqueous suspension including an electron microscopy sample is deposited on the electron microscopy grid. An edge of the electron microscopy grid is contacted with an absorbent material. A thickness of the aqueous suspension is allowed to decrease over a period of time. The aqueous suspension is then frozen.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods using CRISPR-Cas13 enzyme, complexed with SARS-CoV-2 crRNA guide RNAs to detect and quantify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a sample with enhanced specificity and sensitivity. These methods can be used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection, quantify the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA present in a sample, identify the presence of different SARS-CoV-2 splice variants, subtypes, or mutations, and to monitor reactivation of SARS-CoV-2 transcription.

Abstract: An automated slide scanning system, comprising one or more optical elements, including an objective, having an optical path configured to be disposed within view of a camera of a portable device. An automated stage disposed within the optical path, the automated stage comprising a platform configured for receiving a slide containing a biological sample and having a drive mechanism for translating the stage in at least one direction with respect to said objective. A communications interface coupled to the automated stage, and is configured for receiving a command from the portable device to control operation of the mechanical stage.

Abstract: Segregation modulation therapeutics comprise a recombinant macromolecule comprising an effector-binding module and an anchor-binding module joined by a linker, wherein the modules are specific for an effector and an anchor, respectively of a target cell, and bound thereto, the enforces an effector-anchor complex such that the effector and anchor molecules are spatially co-localized on the target cell.

Abstract: An automated slide scanning system, comprising one or more optical elements, including an objective, having an optical path configured to be disposed within view of a camera of a portable device. An automated stage disposed within the optical path, the automated stage comprising a platform configured for receiving a slide containing a biological sample and having a drive mechanism for translating the stage in at least one direction with respect to said objective. A communications interface coupled to the automated stage, and is configured for receiving a command from the portable device to control operation of the mechanical stage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vesicle having a unilamellar bilayer including a lipid and a second bilayer component selected from a membrane protein or a functionalized lipid. The vesicle also includes a component encapsulated by the unilamellar bilayer, wherein the encapsulated component includes a protein, a peptide, an enzyme, an oligonucleotide, or a polynucleotide. Also included are methods of making the vesicles of the present invention.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for their use in producing pulsed microfluidic jets in a fluid environment are provided. The subject microfluidic devices are characterized by the presence of a microfluid chamber at their distal ends. The microfluid chamber is bounded by an opening at one end, a vapor producing means opposite the opening, and side walls between the opening and the vapor producing means. The microfluid chambers are further characterized in that the only way fluid can exit the microfluid chambers is through the opening. In using the subject devices to produce a fluid jet in a fluid environment, the chamber is first contacted with the fluid environment. The vapor producing means is then actuated in a manner sufficient to produce a vapor bubble in the chamber which, in turn, produces a microfluidic jet in the fluid environment. The subject devices and methods find use in a variety of different applications, e.g., cutting tissue, introducing fluid into a cell, and the like.

Abstract: A lens system including a collection lens and a microlens spaced from the collection lens adjacent the region to be observed. The diameter of the observable1 region depends substantially on the radius of the microlens.

Abstract: A lens system including a collection lens and a microlens spaced from the collection lens adjacent the region to be observed. The diameter of the observablel region depends substantially on the radius of the microlens.

Abstract: A solid immersion lens integrated on a flexible support such as a cantilever or membrane is described, together with a method of forming the integrated structure.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for their use in producing pulsed microfluidic jets in a fluid environment are provided. The subject microfluidic devices are characterized by the presence of a microfluid chamber at their distal ends. The microfluid chamber is bounded by an opening at one end, a vapor producing means opposite the opening, and side walls between the opening and the vapor producing means. The microfluid chambers are further characterized in that the only way fluid can exit the microfluid chambers is through the opening. In using the subject devices to produce a fluid jet in a fluid environment, the chamber is first contacted with the fluid environment. The vapor producing means is then actuated in a manner sufficient to produce a vapor bubble in the chamber which, in turn, produces a microfluidic jet in the fluid environment. The subject devices and methods find use in a variety of different applications, e.g., cutting tissue, introducing fluid into a cell, and the like.