Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions, and kits for rapid molecular diagnostics that integrate sample processing (including sample inactivation, sample lysis, nucleases inhibition, nucleic acid extraction, nucleic acid stabilization), nucleic acid amplification, and result readout into a single unified-one-pot reaction, enabling the molecular assay to be completed with minimal steps inside a single reaction vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are designs and implementations of a suite of novel molecular mechanisms that leverage programmable, competitive hybridization and strand displacement of nucleic acids to effectively suppress the generation of nonspecific reaction products (i.e., false positives) in molecular detection, transduction, and isothermal amplification of DNA or RNA targets. Some of the mechanisms described herein may also be applied to enhance the performance of thermocycling-based amplification methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods that enable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of one or more nucleic acid targets without the need for conventional LAMP primer design customized to each target. A transduction reaction is performed upstream from the LAMP reaction. The transduction reaction generates a single stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotide when the target nucleic acid is present in the sample. The ssDNA generated in the transduction reaction functions as a required LAMP primer for a universal LAMP template. The ssDNA thus promotes the LAMP reaction. Analysis of the LAMP products can determine the presence of the one or more nucleic acid targets.

Abstract: Levitation devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an array of magnetic elements that have differently oriented magnetic fields and an inductive component. The inductive component provides a levitation force by magnetic communication with the magnetic fields of the array of magnetic elements. The inductive component includes an array of inductive elements, with individual inductive elements having a looped circuit that provides the levitation force. The inductive component also includes one or more switch element that controls current flow in one or more of the looped circuits responsive to translational motion between the inductive component and the array of magnetic elements.

Abstract: Microelectronic devices for harvesting kinetic energy and associated systems and methods. Particular embodiments include an energy harvesting device for generating electrical energy for use by microelectronic devices, where the energy harvesting device converts to electrical energy the kinetic energy among or within the microelectronic devices and their packaging, and provides this electrical energy to power the microelectronic devices.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for detecting the presence of analytes employing autocatalytic chain reactions (ACR) having super linear kinetics for amplification of signal are disclosed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments make use of an array of passive primary concentrators positioned on the ground that provide primary concentrated solar radiation from below to an array of tracking secondary concentrators. The secondary concentrators further concentrate the solar radiation to one or more centralized receivers. The solar concentrator system may include apparatus for collection of solar radiation, concentration, and the absorbance of the concentrated solar energy. Some embodiments of the solar concentrator system include a large field of passive horizontal primary concentrators, overhead tracking secondary concentrators, and one or more receivers, which convert solar radiation into usable products or energy, such as electricity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the autonomous in vitro evolution of molecules having specific properties, employing one-pot continuous evolution are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for detecting the presence of analytes employing autocatalytic chain reactions (ACR) having super linear kinetics for amplification of signal are disclosed.