Abstract: Methods are provided for determining a primer set for amplifying a target nucleic acid, as well as apparatuses and computer-readable storage media configured to perform aspects of the methods. In some cases, the methods include obtaining a first primer set; generating multiple child primer sets by performing modifications to the first primer set; and, for each of the child primer sets, determining a fitness score of the child primer set and, if the fitness score is at or above a predetermined threshold, determining the child primer set to be an acceptable primer set and adding the child primer set to a collection of acceptable primer sets stored in a memory device. The generating may generate at least some of the child primer sets in parallel. Multiple collections of acceptable primer sets may be generated in parallel. Various aspects of the methods may be controlled by a genetic algorithm.

Abstract: Provided herein are rapid diagnostic tests, systems, and methods for detecting one or more target nucleic acid sequences (e.g., a nucleic acid sequence of one or more pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 or an influenza virus) using isothermal nucleic acid amplification. The tests, systems, and methods described herein may be performed in a point-of-care setting or a home setting without specialized equipment.

Abstract: A reagent carrier includes: a cap configured to fit on an opening of a reaction vessel; and a reagent confined by the cap. The cap may be configured to release the reagent when a user manipulates the cap while the cap is fitted on the opening of the reaction vessel. For example, the reagent may be released when the user twists the cap from a first position to a second position or when the user pushes on a surface of the cap. The cap may be configured to seal the opening of the reaction vessel when the cap is fitted on the opening of the reaction vessel. In some implementations, the cap may be a blister cap containing the reagent. In some implementations, the cap may include a cage containing the reagent. In some implementations, the cap may include a deformable structure containing the reagent.

Abstract: Provided herein, in some embodiments, are rapid diagnostic tests to detect one or more target nucleic acid sequences (e.g., a nucleic acid sequence of one or more pathogens). In some embodiments, the pathogens are viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or protozoan pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 or an influenza virus. Further embodiments provide methods of detecting genetic abnormalities. Diagnostic tests comprising a sample-collecting component, one or more reagents (e.g., lysis reagents, nucleic acid amplification reagents), and a detection component (e.g., a component comprising a lateral flow assay strip and/or a colorimetric assay) are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in some aspects, methods for enhanced protein structure prediction using protein homology discovery and constrained distograms.