Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides that bind to small molecules and methods of using the polynucleotides. In some embodiments, a method comprises detecting a small molecule with a polynucleotide. In other embodiments, a method comprises administering a polynucleotide to inhibit the action of a small molecule. In some embodiments, the small molecule is a hormone, a hormone mimic, phytoestrogen, opiate, opioid, endocrine disrupting compound, metabolite thereof, or variant thereof.

Abstract: This present invention provides methods for the detection of small molecules in samples comprising the steps a) coupling a nanoparticle (NP) or microparticle (MP) to an aptamer specific for the small molecule to be detected to form a NP-aptamer conjugate b) contacting the NP-aptamer conjugate with the sample; and c) detecting a change in the size, surface potential, or mobility of the NP-aptamer conjugate, wherein the change is indicative of the presence of the small molecule. The present invention also provides for and a biosensor comprising nanoparticles coupled to aptamers to provide nanoparticle aptamer-conjugates (NP-aptamer).

Abstract: This present invention provides methods for the detection of small molecules in samples comprising the steps a) coupling a nanoparticle (NP) or microparticle (MP) to an aptamer specific for the small molecule to be detected to form a NP-aptamer conjugate b) contacting the NP-aptamer conjugate with the sample; and c) detecting a change in the size, surface potential, or mobility of the NP-aptamer conjugate, wherein the change is indicative of the presence of the small molecule. The present invention also provides for and a biosensor comprising nanoparticles coupled to aptamers to provide nanoparticle aptamer-conjugates (NP-aptamer).

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to nucleotide and amino acid sequences of oocyte factors for altering ovarian follicular growth in vivo or in vitro. The present invention also concerns novel homodimeric and heterodimeric polypeptides and their use for altering mammalian ovarian follicular growth in vivo or in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences which are involved in increasing or decreasing mammalian ovulation rate. In particular, the invention broadly concerns novel mutations in a gene which is involved in increasing the ovulation rate in heterozygous female mammals; these mutations cause sterility in homozygous female mammals. Knowledge of the mutated gene sequence can be applied to a test for identifying heterozygous of homozygous female and male mammals carrying the mutated gene. This knowledge of the biological function of the gene and its mutations can also be utilised to increase or decrease the ovulation rate of female mammals, or to induce sterility or reduced fertility in female mammals.