Abstract: The present invention provides vectors, including a novel attenuated strain of Salmonella, for efficient gene transfer into an animal, e.g. a mammalian host.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors, including a novel attenuated strain of Salmonella, for efficient gene transfer into an animal, e.g. a mammalian host.

Abstract: the Present Invention Provides Vectors, Including a Novel Attenuated Strain of Salmonella, for Efficient Gene Transfer into an Animal, e.g. a Mammalian Host.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices for reducing the microbial load on objects (e.g., edible plant matter). In certain aspects, the devices include a UV light source and at least a portion of a tumbler composed of a UV light transmissive material. Aspects of the invention also include methods for reducing the microbial load on an object using a UV light source.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a nucleic acid construct which includes a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid operatively coupled to the first nucleic acid. The first nucleic acid molecule encodes a first peptide that has the sequence of InvX or another sequence incorporating the 58 amino acid cellular import region of Mce1A and confers on Mycobacterium tuberculosis an ability to enter mammalian cells. The second nucleic acid molecule encoding a second peptide. Expression of the nucleic acid construct produces a fusion protein comprising the first peptide coupled to the second peptide. The second peptide may be a therapeutic or a diagnostic peptide. An alternative embodiment of the nucleic acid construct includes the first nucleic acid and an insertion site suitable for incorporation of the second nucleic acid molecule into this version of the construct.