Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments, generally relates to methods of determining a treatment protocol for and/or a prognosis of a patient's recovery from a brain injury. In some embodiments, the brain injury results from a hypoxic event. In some embodiments, methods are provided for determining a measure of the concentration of tau protein in a patient sample containing or suspected of containing tau protein.

Abstract: An object of the invention is an in vitro method for detecting chromosomal rearrangements between at least two specific chromosomal regions in a biological sample of a human subject, which comprises the steps of: a) isolating deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules comprising said specific chromosomal regions from said biological sample, wherein said DNA molecules have an average length of X base pairs; b)amplifying the DNA molecules of step a) by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay, said assay comprising at least two sets of primers, wherein each set of primers is capable of hybridizing with a specific reference chromosomal region, and each set of primer comprises a plurality of primers, said primers being capable of hybridizing to a nucleic acid strand of one of the said specific chromosomal regions at sites regularly spaced of less than X/2 base pairs; and hybridizing the product of the amplification of step b) with at least one set of nucleic probes.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a liquid drop accommodation space, an array of photosensitivity detection circuits and an array of driving circuits between an upper substrate and a lower substrate. Each photosensitivity detection circuit includes a photosensitive transistor and a first gating transistor. The photosensitive transistor has a gate electrode coupled to a first scan signal line, a source electrode coupled to a first power supply voltage signal line, and a drain electrode coupled to a source electrode of the first gating transistor. The first gating transistor has a gate electrode coupled to a second scan signal line, and a drain electrode coupled to a read signal line. Each driving circuit includes a driving transistor and a driving electrode. The driving transistor has a gate electrode coupled to a third scan signal line, a source electrode coupled to a data signal line, and a drain electrode coupled to the driving electrode.

Abstract: A reaction container includes a base material, an analysis well in which a nucleic acid analysis reagent used for a nucleic acid analysis is positioned, the analysis well being arranged on the base material and configured to analyze a sample containing a nucleic acid, and a quantification well in which a quantification reagent configured to specifically detect the nucleic acid is positioned, the quantification well being arranged on the base material and configured to quantify an amount of the nucleic acid contained in the sample, in which the nucleic acid contained in the sample is distributed into the quantification well and the analysis well.

Abstract: A point-of-care diagnostic system that includes a cartridge and a reader. The cartridge can contain a patient sample, such as a blood sample. The cartridge is inserted into the reader and the patient sample is analyzed. The reader contains various analysis systems, such as an electrophoresis detection system that uses electrophoresis testing to identify and quantify various components of the blood sample. The reader can process data from the various patient sample analysis to provide interpretative results indicative of a disorder, condition, disease and/or infection of the patient.

Abstract: Methods for detecting target analytes utilizing an array of wells are advantageous for detection of low concentrations of target analytes. Use of an array of wells requires sealing of the wells. The methods provided herein utilize digital microfluidics to seal wells of an array with a fluid that is immiscible with the aqueous liquid present in the wells to prevent evaporation and contamination of the aqueous fluid during analysis of signals from the wells. The disclosed method include generating a biphasic droplet composed of the immiscible fluid and an aqueous fluid. The immiscible fluid present in the biphasic droplet is moved over the array of wells to seal the wells by electrically actuating the aqueous fluid present in the biphasic droplet which in turn pulls the immiscible fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation device (100) including a plurality of storage chambers for storing several ingredients having each a different taste property, a user interface (14) for receiving data representing a user's preferred taste, a taste management unit (10) and a generator (15). The taste management unit (10) includes a memory (11) for storing a reference table which describes the taste property of each ingredient and a processor (12) for determining the dosage of each ingredient to be used according to the reference table and the user's preferred taste. The generator (15) generates beverages from the several ingredients according to the determined dosage. The main advantage of this invention is that the beverage preparation device (100) can provide beverages according to the user's desired taste.

Abstract: An electro-optical stimulation and recording system is disclosed, including a substrate and a plurality of wells coupled to the substrate. The system also includes at least one electrode set disposed proximate a respective one of the plurality of wells, wherein the electrode set comprises at least one electrode configured to collect an electric signal associated with at least a portion of the respective well. The system also includes a light-emitting element set corresponding to a respective one of the wells and configured to deliver optical stimulation to at least a portion of the respective well.

Abstract: Method for producing a plastic molded part (1), wherein, in the method, a mold insert (3) with a diffractive surface relief (32) is provided, the mold insert (3) is inserted into one mold half of an injection mold (5) which, together with at least one further mold half, forms a cavity for producing the plastic molded part (1), wherein the mold insert (3) is inserted into the injection mold (5) such that the diffractive surface relief (32) forms a partial area of the surface of the cavity formed by the mold half (5), and the plastic molded part (1) is molded by injection molding by means of the injection mold (5). The invention furthermore relates to a mold insert as well as an injection mold for such a method, as well as a plastic molded part produced in this way.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antisense compounds and methods for decreasing Ataxin 2 mRNA and protein expression. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate Ataxin 2 associated diseases, disorders, and conditions. Such Ataxin 2 associated diseases include spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), amyotropic sclerosis (ALS), and parkinsonism.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge includes first and second sides and at least one flow channel and an inlet to the flow channel(s) for feeding a liquid sample, the flow channel(s) include a plurality of first optical detection sites. A detector assembly includes a slot for inserting the microfluidic cartridge and a first fixed light source with a beam path and an optical reader for reading out optical signals from at least one of the first optical detection site(s). When the microfluidic cartridge is inserted to a first predetermined position into the slot, one of the first optical detection sites of the microfluidic cartridge is positioned in the beam path of the first light source, and when the cartridge is inserted to a second predetermined position into the slot, another one of the first optical detection sites of the microfluidic cartridge is positioned in the beam path of the first light source.

Abstract: A cell culturing device has: a first culture chamber; a first introduction flow channel and a first discharge flow channel which are connected to the first culture chamber; a second culture chamber connected to a halfway part of the first introduction flow channel via a first porous membrane; and a second introduction flow channel and a second discharge flow channel which are connected to the second culture chamber. The first discharge flow channel is connected to the first culture chamber via a second porous membrane. The first introduction flow channel has a liquid collecting part between the first culture chamber and the second culture chamber.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device includes a top side electrode overlaid with a low water permeability hermeticity layer and an interface layer including a material (e.g., gold or a hydroxylated oxide surface) suitable for receiving a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) that may be functionalized with a functionalization (e.g., specific binding) material, with the foregoing layers being designed to have insubstantial impact on sensor performance. Atomic layer deposition may be used for deposition of the hermeticity and/or interface layers. The hermeticity layer protects the electrode material from attack in corrosive liquid environments, and the interface layer facilitates proper chemical binding of the SAM. Sensors and microfluidic devices incorporating MEMS resonator devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a plurality of cDNA molecules for use in methods of detecting changes in expression of genes encoding proteins that are associated with mental illnesses and which are differentially expressed in patients with mental illnesses, such as bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, unipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactive disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety disorders or other related mood disorders. The composition and the cDNA molecules may be used in their entirety or in part as to diagnose, to stage, to treat, and/or to monitor the treatment of a subject with mental illness.

Abstract: A method for investigating one or a plurality of phase objects is described, in which a grid made up of elements is used, which is illuminated with light of a light source, the coherence length of which is larger than the average spacing of adjacent elements of the grid. A diffraction image of the illuminating light scattered on the grid is generated, whereby the one or the plurality of phase objects are placed in the light path between the light source and the grid and/or in the light path of the illuminating light scattered on the grid. At least a part of the diffraction image is detected by an optical sensor directly or after interaction with further optical components and converted into a signal. The signal is analyzed further in order to ascertain information relating to the one or plurality of phase objects therefrom. A corresponding device is likewise described.

Abstract: There is provided an electrical measuring cartridge of a biological sample, the electrical measuring cartridge including at least a plurality of biological sample holding sections each being configured to contain the biological sample, and a pair of electrical conductive sections fixed to each of the biological sample holding sections.

Abstract: A diagnostic analyzer includes a rotating device, a first optical reader, and a second optical reader. The rotating device includes a first darkened compartment, a second darkened compartment, and an optical path along which the first darkened compartment and the second darkened compartment travel. The first optical reader is operable to read the first darkened compartment and the second optical reader is operable to read the second darkened compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal cycler for the carrying out of chemical or biological reactions, such as PCR or other nucleic acid amplification reactions, that is segmented with a plurality of reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements are thermally isolated from each other and provide an airtight seal to prevent liquids or moisture from penetrating below the reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements have several recesses arranged in a pattern to receive the reaction vessels of a single standard microtiter plate and the segmented thermal cycler has a system for independently heating and cooling each of the reaction vessel receiving elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fluorescent protein biosensors based on oligonucleotide cross reactive sensor arrays including a selective and a non-selective protein surface binding domain for protein detection. Interaction of different protein isoforms with the sensors of this invention yields a unique optical signature for each protein. The unique optical signature allows differentiating between closely related protein isoforms and diagnosing diseases and disorders associated with the proteins also in biofluids.

Abstract: An improved system and method is provided for detecting viable bacteria in a suspension sample. A sample of a suspension in which bacterial presence is suspected is collected from a source and a portion of the sample transferred to a microfluidic unit. A series of analysis signals at different frequencies are applied to the sample portion. An impedance is measured via a signal analyzer for the sample portion for each of the analysis signals to define an impedance data set. An initial bulk capacitance value is determined for a model circuit based on the impedance dataset. After a predetermined time period, a new bulk capacitance value is determined for on another portion of the sample. The difference between the new bulk capacitance and the initial bulk capacitance value is compared to a threshold value to determine if viable bacterial is present in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus comprising: a plurality of locations configured to have probes attached thereto, wherein interaction between the probes and an analyte generates a signal; an optical system comprising a plurality of collimators; a sensor comprising a plurality of pixels configured to detect the signal; wherein the collimators are configured to essentially prevent light from passing if a deviation of a propagation direction of the light from an optical axis of the collimators is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, automated multi-module cell editing instruments are provided to automate multiple edits into nucleic acid sequences inside one or more cells.

Abstract: There is provided a test method for analyzing a body fluid in which a test tape is used in a test device to successively provide analytical test fields stored on the test tape, wherein body fluid is applied by a user to the test field provided at a time and the said test field is photometrically scanned using a measuring unit of the device to record measurement signals. To increase the measurement reliability, it is proposed that a control value is determined from a time-dependent and/or wavelength-dependent change in the measurement signals and that the measurement signals are processed as valid or discarded as erroneous depending on the control value.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems, devices and methods for nucleic acid or protein purification and imaging. A system is provided including a cartridge comprising a sample input area configured to hold a sample, comprising a plurality of hybridized complexes comprising a plurality of target molecules each hybridized with probes and a plurality of non-hybridized probes. The cartridge may also include a first binding chamber configured with first magnetic beads to receive and bind the sample, a first elution channel configured to receive the first magnetic beads and elute the sample from the first magnetic beads, a second binding chamber configured with second magnetic beads to receive and bind the sample, a second elution channel configured to receive the second magnetic beads and elute the sample from the second magnetic beads, and a binding area configured to receive the eluted sample and hold molecules for imaging.

Abstract: A blood analyzing method comprises irradiating light on a measurement sample prepared using fluorescent dye so as to produce a difference in fluorescence intensity between reticulocytes and mature red blood cells in a blood sample, detecting scattered light and fluorescent light given off from blood cells in the measurement sample, and obtaining fluorescence data related to the fluorescent light and scattered light data related to the scattered light for each blood cell, determining the possibility of the presence of plasmodium falciparum parasites in the blood sample based on the distribution conditions of blood cells in the reticulocyte distribution range based on the scattered light data and the fluorescent light data.

Abstract: Novel methods of generating a localized population of immobilized clonal amplicons on a support are provided.

Abstract: A water-soluble peptide fluorescence material having a structure of formula (I): In formula (I), n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, R1 is independently selected from hydrogen or a nitrogen-containing functional group, R2 is independently selected from hydrogen or alkyl, and A1 is polymerized by at least one amino acid monomer and having a structure of formula (II): In formula (II), m is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and R3 in each, of the amino acid monomers of A1 is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl, alkylthioaalkyl, hydroxyaralky, heteroaralkyl, carboxylalkyl, or guanidinylalkyl, A2 is —OR5 or —N(R4)2, and R4 is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl, alkylthioaalkyl, hydroxyaralky, heteroaralkyl, carboxylalkyl, guanidinylalkyl, monoglycosyl, biglycosyl, or oligosaccharyl, and R5 is hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl, alkylthioaalkyl, hydroxyaralky, heteroaralkyl, carboxylalkyl, or guanidinylalkyl.

Abstract: There is provided a particle detection apparatus (30) comprising: a channel (32) including an inlet and at least one channel wall, the inlet permitting light to be introduced into the channel (32), the or each channel wall being arranged to define a channel path through which light may propagate; a light source (34) configured to introduce light into the channel (32) via the inlet, the channel (32) being shaped to guide the light to propagate along the channel path for illuminating a particle or a plurality of particles located in the channel path; and a monitoring device (36) configured to detect scattered light that is created by the illumination of the or each particle by the guided light and that leaves the channel (32) by passing through the or each channel wall.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing temperature controller/temperature sensor uses one or more spectrophotometric sensors to monitor temperature of successive layers and preferably localized sections of successive layers of a melt pool, and transients thereof, of an object being generated for the purpose of dynamic control of the additive manufacturing device and/or quality control of the generated object manufactured with the additive manufacturing device. Generally, the additive manufacturing temperature controller/sensor apparatus monitors temperature of a section of the object during manufacture as a function of wavelength, time, position, and/or angle to determine melt extent in terms of radius and/or depth.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods that are useful for normalizing the amount of signal detected in an assay, such as an immunoassay. The compositions and methods are useful for improving the accuracy of immunoassays, such as immunoassays that detect whether a subject is infected with a retrovirus such as HIV.

Abstract: A sequencing device has at least one sequencing channel configured to fluidically connect a first gap with a second gap. The sequencing channel is formed as a cavity in the region of the first gap and is formed as a pore in the region of the second gap. The pore has a smaller cross section than the cavity.

Abstract: A fluidic testing system is presented that includes a plurality of test chambers, a plurality of inlet channels, and a fluidic network that connects the inlet channels to one or more other chambers. The plurality of test chambers are each characterized by a length and a hydraulic diameter. The length of each test chamber is aligned substantially parallel to a gravity vector. Each of the test chambers has only one opening disposed along the length of the corresponding test chamber. Additionally, each of the test chambers is coupled via its respective opening to only one of the plurality of inlet channels.

Abstract: Emulsion breaking and phase separation is achieved by droplet adhesion. An emulsion breaking device includes a channel having distinct adjacent zones with distinctly different surface wettability characteristics, namely, solvophilic and solvophobic surfaces. The device is positioned such that the upstream portion of the device is configured to be wetted by the continuous phase of the emulsion, and the downstream portion of the device is configured to be wetted by the dispersed phase of the emulsion. As the emulsion flows from the upstream zone to the downstream zone, the change in surface wettability characteristics promotes adhesion of the dispersed phase as the dispersed phase wets the surface of the downstream portion of the channel, which results in breaking of the emulsion. Subsequent collection of the broken emulsion in a collection vessel results in separation of the disparate phases to facilitate their recapture and recycling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining abnormality in a particle analyzer. The method includes: staining first control particles but not staining second control particles which emit fluorescence; irradiating with light the first control particles and the second control particles flowing in a flow cell, and detecting fluorescence from the first control particles and the second control particles; obtaining a first management value indicating a detection result of the fluorescence emitted from the first control particles and a second management value indicating a detection result of the fluorescence emitted from the second control particles; and determining abnormality in the staining step, based on a value calculated from the first management value and the second management value or a ratio between the first management value and the second management value.

Abstract: Optical analytical devices and their methods of use are provided. The devices are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The devices include integrated illumination elements and optical waveguides for illumination of the optical reactions. The devices further provide for the efficient coupling of optical excitation energy from the waveguides to the optical reactions. Optical signals emitted from the reactions can thus be measured with high sensitivity and discrimination using features such as spectra, amplitude, and time resolution, or combinations thereof. The devices of the invention are well suited for miniaturization and high throughput.

Abstract: An analytical device including an optically opaque cladding, a sequencing layer including a substrate disposed below the cladding, and a waveguide assembly for receiving optical illumination and introducing illumination into the device. The illumination may be received from a top, a side edge, and a bottom of the device. The waveguide assembly may include a nanoscale aperture disposed in the substrate and extending through the cladding. The aperture defines a reaction cell for receiving a set of reactants. In various aspects, the device includes a sensor element and the illumination pathway is through the sensor element. Waveguides and illumination devices, such as plasmonic illumination devices, are also disclosed. Methods for forming and operating the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low-cost, portable photo thermal spectroscopy (PTS) reader for use in detecting the presence of diseases in the bodily fluid of affected patients. The PTS reader is designed to be durable, easy to use and provide readings from the Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) with rapid results. Also provided are methods of use.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present teachings provide methods for nucleic acid amplification, comprising forming a reaction mixture, and subjecting the reaction mixture to conditions suitable for nucleic acid amplification. In some embodiments, methods for nucleic acid amplification include subjecting the nucleic acid to be amplified to partially denaturing conditions. In some embodiments, methods for nucleic acid amplification include amplifying without fully denaturing the nucleic acid that is amplified. In some embodiments, the methods for nucleic acid amplification employ an enzyme that catalyzes homologous recombination and a polymerase. In some embodiments, methods for nucleic acid amplification can be conducted in a single reaction vessel. In some embodiments, methods for nucleic acid amplification can be conducted in a single continuous liquid phase of a reaction mixture, without need for compartmentalization of the reaction mixture or immobilization of reaction components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic bio-reactor device, which comprises: a first cell culture layer; a microfluidic base, which is located on the top of the first cell culture layer; a microfluidic layer, which is located on the top of the microfluidic base and have an air-bubble removal device; a microfluidic roof, which is located on the top of the microfluidic layer; the present invention also provides a method for culturing cells by the microfluidic bio-reactor device of the present invention and the kit with a cell-loading device and present microfluidic bio-reactor device.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides container for thermal cycling a plurality of samples in a microfluidic array. The container includes a plurality of walls defining an interior volume and a conductive member for heating the interior volume. Another aspect of the invention provides container for thermal cycling a plurality of samples in a microfluidic array. The container includes a plurality of walls defining an interior volume and a plurality of conductive members for heating an interior volume. Another aspect of the invention provides a container for thermal cycling a plurality of samples in a microfluidic array. The container includes a plurality of walls defining an interior volume and a first conductive member located in the interior volume and adapted to contact a first end of the microfluidic array.

Abstract: The present invention describes an integrated apparatus that enables identification of migratory cells directly from a specimen. The apparatus only requires a small number of cells to perform an assay and includes novel topographic features which can reliably differentiate between migratory and non-migratory cell populations in a sample. Both the spontaneous and chemotactic migration of cancer cells may be measured to distinguish between subpopulations within a tumor sample. The migratory cells identified using the apparatus and methods of the present invention may be separated and further analyzed to distinguish factors promoting metastasis within the population. Cells in the apparatus can be treated with chemotherapeutic or other agents to determine drug strategies to most strongly inhibit migration. The use of optically transparent materials in some embodiments allows a wide range of imaging techniques to be used for in situ imaging of migratory and non-migratory cells in the apparatus.

Abstract: A process for derivatization of an elemental carbon surface comprising exposing the carbon surface to a reaction mixture containing a thiol and a free radical initiator, and inducing decomposition of the initiator to free radicals so that moieties from the thiol become covalently attached to the carbon surface. The process can derivatize carbon with a redox active compound having a functional group which can be converted electrochemically between reduced and oxidized forms. Such derivatized carbon may be used in an electrode of an electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: A fluidic testing system is presented that includes a plurality of test chambers, a plurality of inlet channels, and a fluidic network that connects the inlet channels to one or more other chambers. The plurality of test chambers are each characterized by a length and a hydraulic diameter. The length of each test chamber is aligned substantially parallel to a gravity vector. Each of the test chambers has only one opening disposed along the length of the corresponding test chamber. Additionally, each of the test chambers is coupled via its respective opening to only one of the plurality of inlet channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting apparatus for an automatic analysis device, which is particularly stable and allows simple and error-proof replacement of the pipetting apparatus and, therefore, particularly reliable operation of the analysis device. To this end, an essentially frustoconical fastening body is arranged around an axial region of the needle body.

Abstract: Implementations relate to a biological information measurement device, and it is an object thereof to perform appropriate measurement. To achieve this object, a biological information measurement device may comprise a main body case, a connector, a measurement component, a cover, and an external temperature measurement component. The main body case has a sensor insertion opening into which a sensor is inserted. The connector is provided on the inside of the sensor insertion opening inside the main body case, and is electrically connected to the sensor inserted in the sensor insertion opening. The measurement component is electrically connected to the connector. The cover is provided on the surface of the main body case and openably and closeably covers the sensor insertion opening. The external temperature measurement component is provided on the surface of the main body case and measures the temperature of the air outside the main body case.

Abstract: A fluidic testing method is presented that includes flowing an initial amount of liquid down a first inlet channel of a single-port fluidic testing system, and splitting the initial amount of liquid from the first inlet channel into a plurality of second inlet channels. Each second inlet channel is coupled to a given test chamber of a plurality of test chambers, wherein each of the plurality of test chambers has a wall that defines a longest side of a given test chamber, and wherein each of the plurality of test chambers has only one opening through the wall of a corresponding test chamber. The method also includes filling each of the plurality of test chambers with a final amount of liquid, the final amount being substantially equal in each of the test chambers and summing from each test chamber to equal the initial amount of liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids from a set of biological samples, comprising: a molecular diagnostic module configured to receive nucleic acids bound to magnetic beads, isolate nucleic acids, and analyze nucleic acids, comprising a cartridge receiving module, a heating/cooling subsystem and a magnet configured to facilitate isolation of nucleic acids, a valve actuation subsystem including an actuation substrate, and a set of pins interacting with the actuation substrate, and a spring plate configured to bias at least one pin in a configurations, the valve actuation subsystem configured to control fluid flow through a microfluidic cartridge for processing nucleic acids, and an optical subsystem for analysis of nucleic acids; and a fluid handling system configured to deliver samples and reagents to components of the system to facilitate molecular diagnostic protocols.

Abstract: Methods are described for phototransferring a compound from a first surface to a second surface. Compounds are described with photocleavable linkers. Compounds attached to a first surface through a photocleavable linker are put in proximity (or contact) with a second surface, and then phototransferred to the second surface upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Illuminating the compound with radiation photocleaves the compound from the first surface and transfers the compound to the second surface.

Abstract: A sensing device and a sensing method for operating the same are disclosed. An analytical sample is subjected to an electric field within a sample chamber using at least two electrodes. Initially, a holding voltage is provided such that the analyte in the analytical sample polarizes and diffuses towards one of the electrodes forming an electrode-electrolyte interface. Subsequently, a pulsating sweep voltage is provided across the two electrodes. A current-voltage profile and/or a capacitance-voltage profile of the analytical sample are determined. The analyte is identified and quantified based on the current-voltage profile and capacitance-voltage profile respectively.

Abstract: A system for nucleic acid amplification of a sample comprises partitioning the sample into partitioned sections and performing PCR on the partitioned sections of the sample. Another embodiment of the invention provides a system for nucleic acid amplification and detection of a sample comprising partitioning the sample into partitioned sections, performing PCR on the partitioned sections of the sample, and detecting and analyzing the partitioned sections of the sample.