Abstract: A system for collecting, growing, and analyzing biological specimens that may present a health threat. The system includes separate modules for specimen collection, sample isolation, and sample analysis that can be interconnected to safety process, culture, and analyze and unknown specimen. A decapitation module allows a user to safely collect a swab tip containing an unknown sample and transport the sample to a culture module where the sample can be washed from the swab tip and isolated in a cuvette for growth and analysis. The culture module may be coupled to a base station that can provide mixing, heating and cooling, as well as optical and spectral analysis.

Abstract: A system for collecting, growing, and analyzing biological specimens that may present a health threat. The system includes separate modules for specimen collection, sample isolation, and sample analysis that can be interconnected to safety process, culture, and analyze and unknown specimen. A decapitation module allows a user to safely collect a swab tip containing an unknown sample and transport the sample to a culture module where the sample can be washed from the swab tip and isolated in a cuvette for growth and analysis. The culture module may be coupled to a base station that can provide mixing, heating and cooling, as well as optical and spectral analysis.

Abstract: Sentinel Cells, respond quickly and differentially to and among various high explosives (e.g., RDX, PETN, HMX, TNT, TNG), taggant (DMDNB), and bacteria, as well as volatiles of commercial C4, Semtex 1A, and military C4. These effects are observable within 5 minutes of exposure, indicate profound biological effects in exposed cells, and are distinctly different from responses to bacteria (e.g., E. coli, mycoplasma, lipopolysaccharide from E. coli, etc.). Quantitative and mechanistic analysis of the observations indicate that the mechanisms that give rise to these responses invoke different subsets of biochemical reactions. The mechanism within the exposed Sentinel Cells is also used in canine olfactory cells (e.g., bomb dogs). The nature of the explosives-induced biological effects provide for a cell based explosives detection system (i.e., a cellular dog nose), as well as a tool for the study of biological effects of energetic materials on humans.

Abstract: Sentinel Cells, respond quickly and differentially to and among various high explosives (e.g., RDX, PETN, HMX, TNT, TNG), taggant (DMDNB), and bacteria, as well as volatiles of commercial C4, Semtex 1A, and military C4. These effects are observable within 5 minutes of exposure, indicate profound biological effects in exposed cells, and are distinctly different from responses to bacteria (e.g., E. coli, mycoplasma, lipopolysaccharide from E. coli, etc.). Quantitative and mechanistic analyses of the observations indicate that the mechanisms that give rise to these responses invoke different subsets of biochemical reactions. The mechanism within the exposed Sentinel Cells is also used in canine olfactory cells (e.g., bomb dogs). The nature of the explosives-induced biological effects provide for a cell based explosives detection system (i.e., a cellular dog nose), as well as a tool for the study of biological effects of energetic materials on humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor, and in particular, to a biosensor for comprehensively detecting toxic substances. The invention uses biological cells that have been bio-engineered to detect both particular species of toxic substances as well as classes thereof. Methods of using the biosensor so described are set forth as well.

Abstract: An image system captures and records optical and photon images of an activity, such as cellular phenomena. The images are simultaneously recorded on videotape and displayed. Image data is processed and stored for later analysis and for comparison to new data.

Abstract: Microscope systems invention provide ability to image specimens, including specimens within living bodies, by imaging with transmitted light rather than solely with reflected light. The microscope systems may be general purpose instruments, or can be custom designed for a particular specimen.