Abstract: Disclosed are devices that feature nanopores formed in graphene sheets, such as graphene ribbons. The graphene sheets include an edge irregularity, such as a zig-zag configuration, a chiral edge, or an armchair-configuration edge, which edges confer on the devices the ability to discriminate between different subunits of a macromolecule translocated through the nanpore. The disclosed devices and methods have application to DNA sequencing and analysis, among other applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optical tracking are disclosed. One optical tracking system includes a first optical element configured to focus a light beam and a second optical element configured to redirect the focused light beam from the first optical element. The second optical element is configured to move in order to continuously receive the focused light beam during movement of the focused light beam. Another optical tracking system includes an optical element configured to redirect a light beam and a photosensitive material configured to change its optical properties when it receives the redirected light beam, in order to continuously redirect the light beam during movement of the light beam. The optical tracking methods employ the above-described optical tracking systems.

Abstract: Methods according to the invention administering one or more rice rhizosphere isolates to a plant, particularly a rice plant, to the seed of the plant, or to soil surrounding the plant in an amount effective to inhibit infection by a plant pathogen, particularly rice blast, to increase the biomass of the plant, and/or to decrease arsenic uptake by the plant.