University of Virginia Patent Foundation

Other

Bell Communications Research, Inc.

Arch Development Corporation

Zhifeng Shao

Gabor Szabo

Shoudan Liang

Anders Mannelqvist

Paul S Da Lin

Sitong Sheng

Jian Xun Mou

Gang Huang

This invention relates generally to analysis of gene expression profiles. In particular, the present invention provides a method for a method for analyzing gene expression profiles of a cell, which method comprises: a) providing for isolated mRNA or cDNA target sequences from a cell; b) sequentially hybridizing said isolated mRNA or cDNA target sequences with a plurality of nucleotide probes; and c) assessing the sequential hybridization between said isolated mRNA or cDNA target sequences and said plurality of nucleotide probes to analyze gene expression profiles of said cell. Systems for analyzing gene expression profiles are also provided. Optical devices for detecting hybridization signal are further provided.

Analysis of gene expression profiles using sequential hybridization

The present invention near field scanning optical microscope NSOM, and related method thereof, provides a high resolution image of a sample in aqueous solution without damaging the sample. This attribute will greatly expand the applications and utility of a NSOM in biomedicine, among other fields. Moreover, the NSOM can be further extended to include signals other than light. In operation, a pipette is filled with an electrolyte solution (aqueous solution) and lowered through the reservoir toward the surface of the sample while the current between the electrode inside the pipette and the electrode in the reservoir is monitored. As the tip of the pipette approaches the surface, the ion current decreases because the space through which ions can flow is reduced. The pipette is then scanned laterally over the surface and the path of the tip pipette follows the topography of the surface. An optical image is simultaneously provided as the light source is incident on the sample and the emitted light reaches the image acquisition device after being transmitted through the sample. The acquisition device converts the light energy into electrical signals where they are processed for displaying the acquired images on the monitor or printer.

Apparatus and method for a near field scanning optical microscope in aqueous solution

An atomic force microscope which can provide an automatic operation of focusing a laser beam onto a cantilever of the atomic force microscope, and which can ensure that a laser beam reflected off this cantilever is properly directed to a detector. A tip supported by the cantilever can also be automatically and properly lowered to a specimen. A piezotube scanner within such an atomic force microscope is also provided to prevent any damage from occurring if any leakage of an aqueous solution containing the specimen occurs.

Automatic atomic force microscope with piezotube scanner

A magnetic electron focusing lens including a first pole piece, from a back side of which low-energy electrons are injected, and a second pole piece located on a front side of the first pole piece. The first and second pole pieces are coupled to form a single magnetic circuit. The first pole piece is shaped to maximize the magnetic field at a its front side at a peak much closer to the first then to the second pole piece. The specimen is located between the first and second pole pieces near the peak of the magnetic field.

Electron microscope with an asymmetrical immersion lens

Growing community of inventors

Charlottesville, VA, United States of America

Zhifeng Shao