Abstract: The present disclosure provides an RNA-guided effector polypeptide having a length that is less than Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9, and that retains the ability, when complexed with a guide RNA, to bind to a target nucleic acid. The present disclosure provides a fusion polypeptide comprising: i) an RNA-guided effector polypeptide of the present disclosure; and ii) a fusion partner. The present disclosure further provides nucleic acids encoding an RNA-guided effector polypeptide, or a fusion polypeptide, of the present disclosure. Methods of using an RNA-guided effector polypeptide, or a fusion polypeptide, of the present disclosure are also provided.

Abstract: A gripping zipper securing ring for use in securing a zipper includes a ring member having a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion for movement between open and closed configurations. The first portion includes a locking arm having a plurality of teeth. The second portion includes a locking receiver configured to selectively receive the locking arm therein. A release mechanism is situated in the locking receiver that is selectively movable between a locked configuration at which the locking arm is not removable from the locking receiver and a released configuration in which the locking arm is removable therefrom. The release mechanism includes a user operable release member with which to move the release mechanism between locked and released configurations.