Abstract: A cartridge preprocessing system applied to an automated molecular diagnostics instrument is provided. The cartridge preprocessing system includes a piercing device and a cleaning device. The piercing device includes a drive assembly and a piercing member, and the drive assembly is configured to control the piercing member to alternately move to a piercing station and a cleaning station. The piercing member is configured to pierce a barrier film of a cartridge that moves to the piercing station, and the cleaning device is configured to clean the piercing member that moves to the cleaning station.

Abstract: A culture medium is provided which is capable of establishing expanded potential stem cell (EPSC) lines which resemble naïve or ground state ES cells, but are also able to differentiate into placenta trophoblasts and the embryo proper. Methods are provided using the medium for the in vitro conversion and maintenance of cells, including pluripotent cells into EPSCs.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for culturing coronavirus particles in early syncytiotrophoblasts (eSTBs). The derived eSTBs are mononucleated or bi-nucleated cells with high ACE2 expression and are not multi-nucleated or mature cells. The methods can also include assessing the eSTBs for coronavirus susceptible markers. Also disclosed are compositions and methods (i) for inducing the differentiation of eSTBs and mature STBs from trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), (ii) for inducing the differentiation of TSCs from EPSCs, primed and naïve stem cells, pre-implantation embryos, placental stem cells, and iPSCs, and (ii) for producing TSCs by reprogramming non-trophoblast cells.

Abstract: A nano scale robotic system for single cell DNA sequencing of a strand of DNA positioned on a slide utilizes an atomic force microscope (AFM) having an end effector in the form of a cantilever with a tip. The AFM causes its cantilever tip to scan over the base pairs of the DNA strand. A pair of spaced-apart electrodes at the tip makes contact with opposite sides of the DNA strand and the current between bases of the DNA strand is measured by a current measurement system connected to the electrodes. An artificial intelligence-based data analytic system determines the DNA sequence based on the current from the current measuring system. The AFM tip is guided over the DNA strand by comparing compressed desired intensity local scan images and compressed actual intensity local scan images and using the difference to control the location of the tip.

Abstract: A culture medium is provided for establishing expanded potential stem cell (EPSC) lines for mammals. Methods are provided using the medium for the in vitro conversion and maintenance of cells, including pluripotent cells into EPSCs.