California Institute of Technology

Applied Invention, LLC

Other

Thomas Anthony Tombrello, Jr

Axel Scherer

Aditya Rajagopal

Sameer Walavalkar

Andrew Peter Homyk

Erika F Garcia

Michael David Henry

Xiomara Linnette Madero

Mark D Goldberg

W Daniel Hillis

Adrian Kaehler

Russel Howe

Kjerstin Irja Williams

James Wallace Sarrett

Luke Walter Khanlian

Yuanxun Qiu

Robert A Frosch

Eran Nardi

A Bruce Whitehead

Joseph E Griffith

Marcus H Mendenhall

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.

Chromophore-based detection of genetic variations in analytes

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.

Communication between autonomous vehicle and external observers

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.

Chromophore-based medical system for detecting genetic variations in analytes

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.

Chromophore-based methods and kits for detecting genetic variations in polynucleotide analytes

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.

Chromophore-based PCR methods for detecting and characterizing nucleic acids in samples

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.

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy detection of gases, particles and liquids through nanopillar structures

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.

Devices and methods for sequencing nucleic acids

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.

Methods for fabricating high aspect ratio probes and deforming high aspect ratio nanopillars and micropillars

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.

Sensor probe for bio-sensing and chemical-sensing applications

Methods and devices for isolating and sorting nanoparticles are disclosed herein. Nanopores of a desired size can be formed in silicon dioxide membranes and used as filters to separate nanoparticles. Devices are also provided herein for sorting nanoparticles with multiple filters having various sized nanopores.

Particulate nanosorting stack

A field effect nano-pillar transistor has a pillar shaped gate element incorporating a biomimitec portion that provides various advantages over prior art devices. The small size of the nano-pillar transistor allows for advantageous insertion into cellular membranes, and the biomimitec character of the gate element operates as an advantageous interface for sensing small amplitude voltages such as transmembrane cell potentials. The nano-pillar transistor can be used in various embodiments to stimulate cells, to measure cell response, or to perform a combination of both actions.

Growing community of inventors

Altadena, CA, United States of America

Thomas Anthony Tombrello, Jr