Abstract: Diagnostic devices comprising: an inlet for receiving a solution comprising a biological sample comprising a target nucleic acid molecule; at least one reaction chamber, comprising a nuclease for cleaving a nucleic acid molecule, into a first portion bonded to a marker and a second portion bonded to a bulky molecule; a membrane in liquid connection to the at least one reaction chamber, having porosity sized to filter the first portion from the solution containing the second portion; and an informative chamber configured to receive the filtered first portion, having at least one of, a transparent region showing a visible marker; and a detector for detecting the marker are provided. Methods of using the devices to detect a target nucleic acid molecule in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: A temperature compensated spacer includes first and second anchoring configurations for anchoring the spacer relative to first and second elements, and a frame providing a mechanical connection between the anchoring configurations. The frame has a polygonal opening with a first diagonal extending across the width of a gap between the elements and a second diagonal extending transversely to the first diagonal. A crossbar is associated with the polygonal opening so as to span the second diagonal. The frame and the crossbar are formed from materials having differing coefficients of thermal expansion. The crossbar is deployed so as to determine a length of the second diagonal such that variation in temperature causes deformation of the frame, thereby varying a length of the first diagonal.

Abstract: Diagnostic devices comprising: an inlet for receiving a solution comprising a biological sample comprising a target nucleic acid molecule; at least one reaction chamber, comprising a nuclease for cleaving a nucleic acid molecule, into a first portion bonded to a marker and a second portion bonded to a bulky molecule; a membrane in liquid connection to the at least one reaction chamber, having porosity sized to filter the first portion from the solution containing the second portion; and an informative chamber configured to receive the filtered first portion, having at least one of, a transparent region showing a visible marker; and a detector for detecting the marker are provided. Methods of using the devices to detect a target nucleic acid molecule in a sample are also provided.