Abstract: The invention relates to functional nucleic acid molecules comprising a target determinant sequence and a regulatory sequence wherein the functional nucleic acid molecule comprises one or more chemical modifications, particularly for use in methods of increasing target protein synthesis efficiency.

Abstract: Method for detecting the presence of nucleases in a sample, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: —incubating the sample to be tested for the presence of nucleases with at least one oligonucleotide linker constituting the substrate for the nuclease to be detected, for a sufficient time to cause degradation of said oligonucleotide linker by the nuclease possibly present in the sample, —adding to the sample, upon incubation, colloidal gold nanoparticles comprising gold nanoparticles functionalized with a first probe oligonucleotide and gold nanoparticles functionalized with a respective second probe oligonucleotide, said first and second probe oligonucleotides being complementary to a respective portion of the nucleotide sequence of the oligonucleotide linker, and—examining the possible colour change of the sample as a result of the addition of said nanoparticles, a colour change of the sample to the colour assumed by the colloidal gold particles when aggregated at a distance less than their size bei

Abstract: Methods for detecting DNA or RNA target nucleic acids are provided. Such methods are based on isothermal amplification of nucleic acids mediated by cooperative hybridization, designated as exponential CHAMP. Kits for implementing methods for detecting DNA or RNA target nucleic acids based on isothermal amplification of nucleic acids mediated by cooperative hybridization are also provided.

Abstract: Method for detecting the presence of nucleases in a sample, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: —incubating the sample to be tested for the presence of nucleases with at least one oligonucleotide linker constituting the substrate for the nuclease to be detected, for a sufficient time to cause degradation of said oligonucleotide linker by the nuclease possibly present in the sample, —adding to the sample, upon incubation, colloidal gold nanoparticles comprising gold nanoparticles functionalized with a first probe oligonucleotide and gold nanoparticles functionalized with a respective second probe oligonucleotide, said first and second probe oligonucleotides being complementary to a respective portion of the nucleotide sequence of the oligonucleotide linker, and—examining the possible colour change of the sample as a result of the addition of said nanoparticles, a colour change of the sample to the colour assumed by the colloidal gold particles when aggregated at a distance less than their size bei

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits for the detection of the amplification of a target nucleic acid. The methods and kits of the invention are based on the use of colloidal gold nanoparticles functionalized with a first and a second oligonucleotide probe, whose sequences are designed on a universal TAG sequence that is incorporated in the amplification product.

Abstract: A twisted tennis bracelet or necklace is provided comprising individual elements which have male and female components, the male and female components being angularly offset with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis therethrough such that a jewelry article formed of such elements has a twist or spiral look. The outer edges, tops, and/or bottoms of the individual elements are capable of receiving a jewel stone or other ornamental feature.