Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a composition or combination comprising at least one membrane-active peptide, such as melittin, and at least one therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent. Methods of using the membrane-active peptides of the disclosure to open a blood-brain barrier and to deliver a therapeutic and/or a diagnostic agent to a central nervous system (CNS) of a subject in need thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A sweat sensor includes a first conductor and a second conductor that are parallel with one another. The sweat sensor also includes a channel disposed between the first and second conductors. The channel is configured to receive a sample of sweat. A measure of capacitance between the first and second conductors changes based at least partially upon a volume of the sweat in the channel.

Abstract: Transport peptides with extraordinary ability to effectively transcellular transport cargo(s) across biological barriers have been identified. While the cargo itself shows a very limited ability to cross the biological barrier, the conjugated form with the transport peptide of the present invention enhances the rate of cargo transport across a biological barrier by approximately 30 times.

Abstract: This invention is predicated on the present applicants' discovery that nanostructures comprising discrete regions of different composition can be used to deliver to a biological cell a desired combination of molecules in close proximity. Different molecules can be selectively bonded to discrete regions of different composition in sufficiently close physical relationship to enhance delivery or effectiveness within the cell. The preferred nanostructures are multicomponent nanorods. Important applications include delivery of missing DNA sequences for gene therapy and delivery of antigens or DNA encoding antigens for vaccination.

Abstract: This invention is predicated on the present applicants' discovery that nanostructures comprising discrete regions of different composition can be used to deliver to a biological cell a desired combination of molecules in close proximity. Different molecules can be selectively bonded to discrete regions of different composition in sufficiently close physical relationship to enhance delivery or effectiveness within the cell. The preferred nanostructures are multicomponent nanorods. Important applications include delivery of missing DNA sequences for gene therapy and delivery of antigens or DNA encoding antigens for vaccination.

Abstract: An electrochemical supercapacitor or lithium ion intercalation battery formed from carbon particles distributed in a carbon/ceramic composite paste preferably produced by sol-gel technology wherein the paste is shaped and contacted with a solvent and electrolyte salt followed by an optional washing with an aqueous or non-aqueous solution to remove residual organic solvent and salt and leaving a shaped composite having the internal microscopic surface area electrochemically accessible and useful for charge storage applications.