Abstract: Pacifier devices with internal reservoirs and metering units are described. The metering units provide single dosages of an internal supplement material during a fixed period of time. For example, embodiments of pacifier devices can be utilized to provide supplemental nutrition paste or gel to undernourished infants with metered dosages as appropriate to the supplement.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to flow assays including at least one electrically-actuated valve configured to control fluid flow. Methods of operating such flow assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low-cost, portable photo thermal spectroscopy (PTS) reader for use in detecting the presence of diseases in the bodily fluid of affected patients. The PTS reader is designed to be durable, easy to use and provide readings from the Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) with rapid results. Also provided are methods of use.

Abstract: Pacifier devices with internal reservoirs and metering units are described. The metering units provide single dosages of an internal supplement material during a fixed period of time. For example, embodiments of pacifier devices can be utilized to provide supplemental nutrition paste or gel to undernourished infants with metered dosages as appropriate to the supplement.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include thermal expansion actuators, systems using the same (e.g., microscopes), and methods of using the same. The thermal expansion actuators disclosed herein can include at least one beam coupled to and extending between a plurality of support portions. The thermal expansion actuators also include at least one heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the thermal expansion actuators, such as the at least one beam. The support portions are coupled to an structure (e.g., a component of a microscope) in a manner that at least partially restrains thermal expansion or contraction of the thermal expansion actuators in at least one direction when the thermal expansion actuators are heated or cooled, respectively. Restraining the thermal expansion actuators can controllably and selectively produce relative movement in the at least one beam (e.g., deflected).

Abstract: In some embodiments, a rebreathing oxygen supplementation device includes an enclosure including an internal surface of a size and shape to entirely cover the nasal region of a patient and including an edge region of a size and shape to reversibly mate with a skin region of the patient surrounding the nasal region. The device can include at least one tubular structure affixed to the enclosure, the tubular structure including a proximal region with a first aperture positioned adjacent to a nostril of the patient and at least one distal region with a second aperture, the tubular structure positioned to permit gas flow between an interior of the enclosure and a region exterior to the tubular structure, and an aperture in the proximal region positioned adjacent to the patient's nostrils.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to flow assays including at least one electrically-actuated valve configured to control fluid flow. Methods of operating such flow assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low-cost, portable photo thermal spectroscopy (PTS) reader for use in detecting the presence of diseases in the bodily fluid of affected patients. The PTS reader is designed to be durable, easy to use and provide readings from the Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) with rapid results. Also provided are methods of use.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to flow assays including at least one electrically-actuated valve configured to control fluid flow. Methods of operating such flow assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to photothermal spectroscopy apparatuses and systems for offset synchronous testing of flow assays. Methods of using and operating such photothermal spectroscopy systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preparing and assessing a liquid sample are described which include: a microfluidic microscopy device including an absorbent structure including at least one dry dye for a liquid and configured to convey a polar liquid from a first end of the absorbent structure through the at least one dry dye for a liquid to a second end of the absorbent structure, a support structure positioned adjacent to a first surface of the absorbent structure, a lid structure positioned adjacent to a second surface of the absorbent structure, and a clamping structure positioned to maintain a relative position of the support structure and the lid structure to form a tapered internal chamber adjacent to the second end of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a regulated thermal transfer device for a storage container includes: a phase change material unit, the phase change material unit including one or more walls surrounding a phase-change material region, and an aperture in the one or more walls; a heat pipe with a first end positioned within the phase change material unit, and a second end; a thermoelectric unit thermally connected to the second end of the heat pipe; a heat sink connected to the thermoelectric unit, and positioned to radiate heat away from the thermoelectric unit; and an electronic controller operably connected to the thermoelectric unit; wherein the regulated thermal transfer device is of a size and shape to be positioned so that the phase change material unit is within a storage region of a temperature-stabilized storage container, and the thermoelectric unit is positioned adjacent to an external surface of the temperature-stabilized storage container.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods for storing temperature-sensitive items. More specifically, embodiments include a storage apparatus that may store the temperature-sensitive items. For example, the storage apparatus may include a storage compartment that may be maintained at a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to photothermal spectroscopy apparatuses and systems for offset synchronous testing of flow assays. Methods of using and operating such photothermal spectroscopy systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Regulated cooling devices are described herein that are sized, shaped and calibrated for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage container. In some embodiments, the regulated cooling devices include a cooling region, an adiabatic region, a lid region, and an electronics unit attached to the lid region.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to flow assays including at least one electrically-actuated valve configured to control fluid flow. Methods of operating such flow assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods for storing temperature-sensitive items. More specifically, embodiments include a storage apparatus that may store the temperature-sensitive items. For example, the storage apparatus may include a storage compartment that may be maintained at a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that may be used to alter the permeability of a biological object. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be used to alter the permeability of a non-human embryo. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be used to alter the permeability of an insect embryo. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be used to alter the permeability of a mosquito embryo.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preparing and assessing a liquid sample are described which include: a microfluidic microscopy device including an absorbent structure including at least one dry dye for a liquid and configured to convey a polar liquid from a first end of the absorbent structure through the at least one dry dye for a liquid to a second end of the absorbent structure, a support structure positioned adjacent to a first surface of the absorbent structure, a lid structure positioned adjacent to a second surface of the absorbent structure, and a clamping structure positioned to maintain a relative position of the support structure and the lid structure to form a tapered internal chamber adjacent to the second end of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: Regulated cooling devices are described herein that are sized, shaped and calibrated for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage container. In some embodiments, the regulated cooling devices include a cooling region, an adiabatic region, a lid region, and an electronics unit attached to the lid region.