Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions to cause a system to detect a genetic variation in a polynucleotide analyte in a sample. A fluorophore is attached to a first primer, a quencher is attached to a second primer, and the first primer and the second primer are specific for the polynucleotide analyte. The primers are configured to amplify the polynucleotide analyte having the genetic variation and a corresponding polynucleotide analyte lacking the generic variation. There is a detectable difference between a measured change in signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher, when using the first and second primers to amplify the polynucleotide analyte with the genetic variation, and a change in signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher, when using the first and second primers to amplify the corresponding polynucleotide analyte lacking the genetic variation.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of this disclosure includes a method for an autonomous vehicle (e.g., a fully autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle) to communicate with external observers. The method includes: receiving a task at the autonomous vehicle; collecting data that characterizes a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle from a sensor coupled to the autonomous vehicle; determining an intended course of action for the autonomous vehicle to undertake based on the task and the collected data; and conveying a human understandable output via an output device, the human understandable output expressly or implicitly indicating the intended course of action to an external observer.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions to cause a system to detect a genetic variation in a polynucleotide analyte in a sample. A fluorophore is attached to a first primer, a quencher is attached to a second primer, and the first primer and the second primer are specific for the polynucleotide analyte. The primers are configured to amplify the polynucleotide analyte having the genetic variation and a corresponding polynucleotide analyte lacking the generic variation. There is a detectable difference between a measured change in signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher, when using the first and second primers to amplify the polynucleotide analyte with the genetic variation, and a change in signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher, when using the first and second primers to amplify the corresponding polynucleotide analyte lacking the genetic variation.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of this disclosure includes a method for an autonomous vehicle (e.g., a fully autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle) to communicate with external observers. The method includes: receiving a task at the autonomous vehicle; collecting data that characterizes a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle from a sensor coupled to the autonomous vehicle; determining an intended course of action for the autonomous vehicle to undertake based on the task and the collected data; and conveying a human understandable output via an output device, the human understandable output expressly or implicitly indicating the intended course of action to an external observer.

Abstract: Medical systems for detecting a genetic variation in a polynucleotide analyte in a sample. A fluorophore is attached to a first primer, a quencher is attached to a second primer, and the first primer and the second primer are specific for the polynucleotide analyte. The primers are configured to amplify the polynucleotide analyte having the genetic variation and a corresponding polynucleotide analyte lacking the generic variation. There is a detectable difference between a change in signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher, and measured by a sensor of the medical system, when using the first and second primers to amplify the polynucleotide analyte with the genetic variation, and a change in signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher, and measured by the sensor of the medical system, when using the first and second primers to amplify the corresponding polynucleotide analyte lacking the genetic variation.

Abstract: Medical systems for detecting a genetic variation in a polynucleotide analyte in a sample. A fluorophore is attached to a first primer, a quencher is attached to a second primer, and the first primer and the second primer are specific for the polynucleotide analyte. The primers are configured to amplify the polynucleotide analyte having the genetic variation and a corresponding polynucleotide analyte lacking the generic variation. There is a detectable difference between a change in signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher, and measured by a sensor of the medical system, when using the first and second primers to amplify the polynucleotide analyte with the genetic variation, and a change in signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher, and measured by the sensor of the medical system, when using the first and second primers to amplify the corresponding polynucleotide analyte lacking the genetic variation.

Abstract: Methods and kits for detecting a genetic variation in a polynucleotide analyte in a sample. A fluorophore is attached to a first primer, a quencher is attached to a second primer, and the first primer and the second primer are specific for the polynucleotide analyte. At least one of the primers is configured to hybridize to a region of the polynucleotide analyte encoding the genetic variation. The primers are configured to amplify the polynucleotide analyte having the genetic variation and a corresponding polynucleotide analyte lacking the generic variation. There is a detectable difference between a change in signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher when using the first and second primers to amplify the polynucleotide analyte with the genetic variation, and a change in signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher when using the first and second primers to amplify the corresponding polynucleotide analyte lacking the genetic variation.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of this disclosure includes a method for an autonomous vehicle (e.g., a fully autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle) to communicate with external observers. The method includes: receiving a task at the autonomous vehicle; collecting data that characterizes a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle from a sensor coupled to the autonomous vehicle; determining an intended course of action for the autonomous vehicle to undertake based on the task and the collected data; and conveying a human understandable output via an output device, the human understandable output expressly or implicitly indicating the intended course of action to an external observer.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of this disclosure includes a method for an autonomous vehicle (e.g., a fully autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle) to communicate with external observers. The method includes: receiving a task at the autonomous vehicle; collecting data that characterizes a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle from a sensor coupled to the autonomous vehicle; determining an intended course of action for the autonomous vehicle to undertake based on the task and the collected data; and conveying a human understandable output via an output device, the human understandable output expressly or implicitly indicating the intended course of action to an external observer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, compositions and kits for the detection of a plurality of analytes in a sample. In some examples, this disclosure provides methods, compositions, and kits for detecting analytes, genetic variations, monitoring reaction process, and monitoring analyte-analyte interactions by measuring signals. In some examples, the presence of signals or changes in signals may be used to construct signal profiles which can be used to detect analytes.

Abstract: Methods of detecting at least one genetic variation in a polynucleotide analyte in a sample. A fluorophore is attached to a first primer, a quencher is attached to a second primer, the first primer and the second primer are specific for the polynucleotide analyte. A signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher is measured. PCR is performed with the first primer and the second primer using the polynucleotide analyte as a template, thereby amplifying the template. A signal generated by the fluorophore and quencher from the PCR amplification product is measured. Comparison is made of the signals; and a determination is made of the presence or absence of the at least one genetic variation based i) on the change in signal as determined; and ii) by comparing said change to the change in signal observed upon PCR amplification for a corresponding polynucleotide analyte lacking the at least one genetic variation.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, compositions and kits for the detection of a plurality of analytes in a sample. In some examples, this disclosure provides methods, compositions, and kits for detecting analytes, genetic variations, monitoring reaction process, and monitoring analyte-analyte interactions by measuring signals. In some examples, the presence of signals or changes in signals may be used to construct signal profiles which can be used to detect analytes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for nanopillar sensors are described. Nanopillars can be defined on a substrate, and metal deposited on the nanopillars. A thermal treatment can reflow the metal on the nanopillars forming metallic bulbs on the top end of the nanopillars. These structures can have enhanced optical detection when functionalized with biological agents, or can detect gases, particles and liquids through interaction with the metal layer on the nanopillars.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sequencing nucleic acids are disclosed herein. Devices are also provided herein for measuring DNA with nano-pores sized to allow DNA to pass through the nano-pore. The capacitance can be measured for the DNA molecule passing through the nano-pore. The capacitance measurements can be correlated to determine the sequence of base pairs passing through the nano-pore to sequence the DNA.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of this disclosure includes a method for an autonomous vehicle (e.g., a fully autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle) to communicate with external observers. The method includes: receiving a task at the autonomous vehicle; collecting data that characterizes a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle from a sensor coupled to the autonomous vehicle; determining an intended course of action for the autonomous vehicle to undertake based on the task and the collected data; and conveying a human understandable output via an output device, the human understandable output expressly or implicitly indicating the intended course of action to an external observer.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of this disclosure includes a method for an autonomous vehicle (e.g., a fully autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle) to communicate with external observers. The method includes: receiving a task at the autonomous vehicle; collecting data that characterizes a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle from a sensor coupled to the autonomous vehicle; determining an intended course of action for the autonomous vehicle to undertake based on the task and the collected data; and conveying a human understandable output via an output device, the human understandable output expressly or implicitly indicating the intended course of action to an external observer.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating of high aspect ratio probes and deforming micropillars and nanopillars are described. Use of polymers in deforming nanopillars and micropillars is also described.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating of high aspect ratio probes and deforming micropillars and nanopillars are described. Use of polymers in deforming nanopillars and micropillars is also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for nanopillar sensors are described. Nanopillars can be defined on a substrate, and metal deposited on the nanopillars. A thermal treatment can reflow the metal on the nanopillars forming metallic bulbs on the top end of the nanopillars. These structures can have enhanced optical detection when functionalized with biological agents, or can detect gases, particles and liquids through interaction with the metal layer on the nanopillars.

Abstract: The basic structure and functionality of a probe as disclosed herein allows for flexibly incorporating into the probe, various sensing elements for various sensing applications. Two example applications among these various sensing applications include bio-sensing and chemical-sensing applications. For bio-sensing applications the probe, which is fabricated upon a silicon substrate, includes a bio-sensing element such as a nano-pillar transistor, and for chemical-sensing applications the probe includes a sensing element that has a functionalized contact area whereby the sensing element generates a voltage when exposed to one or more chemicals of interest.