Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, including multi-tissue body-on-a-chip apparatus. In some embodiments, described are apparatus including at least a first, second, and third chamber in fluid communication with one another and with at least one tissue in each chamber, such as, for example, liver tissue in said first chamber; cardiac muscle tissue in said second chamber; and lung tissue in said third chamber; and a common aqueous growth media in said first, second, and third chamber. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a fourth chamber including testicular or ovarian tissue in said fourth chamber. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an optional fifth or sixth chamber; each said chamber includes different additional tissue selected from the group consisting of vascular endothelial, skeletal muscle, kidney, nerve, brain, and intestinal tissue (e.g., small intestine tissue and/or colon tissue). Also described are methods of using an apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A device is provided for removing vegetation from ground surfaces. The device generally includes a base, multiple tines extending from the base, and a handle coupled to base for moving the base relative to a ground surface for removing vegetation from the ground surface. The tines are arranged on the base in an array comprising at least two rows, where at least one of the at least two rows is offset from at least another one of the at least two rows. In addition, each of the tines has a shaft and a generally rounded head. As such, the tines allow the device to remove the vegetation when operated in a plurality of directions and to improve grasping of the vegetation such that the vegetation may be removed from the ground surface with roots included.

Abstract: A device is provided for removing vegetation from ground surfaces. The device generally includes a base, multiple tines extending from the base, and a handle coupled to base for moving the base relative to a ground surface for removing vegetation from the ground surface. The tines are arranged on the base in an array comprising at least two rows, where at least one of the at least two rows is offset from at least another one of the at least two rows. In addition, each of the tines has a shaft and a generally rounded head. As such, the tines allow the device to remove the vegetation when operated in a plurality of directions and to improve grasping of the vegetation such that the vegetation may be removed from the ground surface with roots included.

Abstract: Type-1 diabetes (T1 D) results from the autoimmune recognition of insulin producing ?-cells within the pancreatic islet. The present application discloses a new protein, islet homeostasis protein (IHoP), that has a role in glucagon synthesizing-cell functions, and in post-onset T1 D islet differential expression of IHoP. Methods of delaying the onset of diabetes are disclosed, as well as compositions including an iHoP modulating agent. Also disclosed are methods of screening for iHoP modulating agents.

Abstract: Type-1 diabetes (T1 D) results from the autoimmune recognition of insulin producing ?-cells within the pancreatic islet. The present application discloses a new protein, islet homeostasis protein (IHoP), that has a role in glucagon synthesizing-cell functions, and in post-onset T1 D islet differential expression of IHoP. Methods of delaying the onset of diabetes are disclosed, as well as compositions including an iHoP modulating agent. Also disclosed are methods of screening for iHoP modulating agents.