Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein utilized RNA targeting effectors to provide a robust CRISPR-based diagnostic with attomolar sensitivity. Embodiments disclosed herein can detect broth DNA and RNA with comparable levels of sensitivity and can differentiate targets from non-targets based on single base pair differences. Moreover, the embodiments disclosed herein can be prepared in freeze-dried format for convenient distribution and point-of-care (POC) applications. Such embodiments are useful in multiple scenarios in human health including, for example, viral detection, bacterial strain typing, sensitive genotyping, and detection of disease-associated cell free DNA.

Abstract: A method for forming electrical contacts for a solar cell and a solar cell formed using the method is provided. The method includes forming a first metal layer over predefined portions of a surface of the solar cell; depositing a carbon nanotube layer over the first metal layer; and forming a second metal layer over the carbon nanotube layer, wherein the first metal layer, the carbon nanotube layer, and the second metal layer form a first metal matrix composite layer that provides electrical conductivity and mechanical support for the metal contacts.