Abstract: Techniques for forming a nanopore in a lipid bilayer are described herein. In one example, an agitation stimulus level such as an electrical agitation stimulus is applied to a lipid bilayer wherein the agitation stimulus level tends to facilitate the formation of nanopores in the lipid bilayer. In some embodiments, a change in an electrical property of the lipid bilayer resulting from the formation of the nanopore in the lipid bilayer is detected, and a nanopore has formed in the lipid bilayer is determined based on the detected change in the lipid bilayer electrical property.

Abstract: A blade member adapted to be connected to a shaft of a hockey stick or the like includes an elongated hollow blade body, a flexible damping portion, and an interface portion. The elongated hollow blade body defines a receiving cavity, and is made of a fiber reinforced resin composite. The flexible damping portion is disposed within the elongated hollow blade body, and is made of cork. The interface portion is disposed between the elongated hollow blade body and the flexible damping portion.