Provided are an automated analyzer for analyzing a substance contained in an unknown sample and a liquid reservoir, the analyzer and the reservoir being capable of saving users' operation without remarkably increasing the number of components. A flow path outlet of an overflow portion of the liquid reservoirs projects closer to the inner circumferential side of a drain flow path than to an inner circumferential surface side of an outer wall of the drain flow path serving as a destination to which liquid overflows. In addition, the flow path outlet projects so as to come into contact with an outer wall of the inner pipe. The flow path outlet of the overflow portion projects into the drain flow path so as to be located below an upper end of the outer wall of the drain flow path.

Continuous microfluidic dilatometry devices and methods are provided for activity monitoring with ultra-high sensitivity. Corner flow in capillary channels is used to detect the resistance change in microfluidic circuits filled with ionic liquids. The conversion of mechanical input (e.g. strain) to an intermediary domain, namely liquid displacement, allows a large enhancement in sensor performance. Embodiments are suitable for tracking skin deformations that occur as a result of human movements.

Systems and methods for measuring dynamic hydraulic conductivity and permeability associated with a cell layer are disclosed. Some systems include a microfluidic device, one or more working-fluid reservoirs, and one or more fluid-resistance element. The microfluidic device includes a first microchannel, a second microchannel, and a barrier therebetween. The barrier includes a cell layer adhered thereto. The working fluids are delivered to the microfluidic device. The fluid-resistance elements are coupled to one or more of the fluid paths and provide fluidic resistance to cause a pressure drop across the fluid-resistance elements. Mass transfer occurs between the first microchannel and the second microchannel, which is indicative of the hydraulic conductivity and/or dynamic permeability associated with the cells.

The present invention provides a test barrel for placing a test paper card. The test barrel comprises a barrel body and a barrel lid; wherein the barrel body comprises a place reminding board arranged on the barrel body; and the barrel lid comprises an elastic piece arranged on the barrel lid and mating with the place reminding board. The test barrel for placing a test paper card according to the present invention is simple in structure and convenient in operation, and greatly reduces time for test. In addition, a place reminding structure is arranged on the test barrel, which facilitates use of the test barrel for the user and achieves sealing reminding. Further, the test result is accurate, the reusage rate is high, and cleaning is convenient.

Provided herein are materials and methods relating to cell-free DNA. In particular, the technology relates to methods and materials for the preparation and handling of blood samples for future use in applications involving cell-free DNA.

The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting the presence or absence of an analyte in liquid sample, including: a collection chamber, including an opening for collecting a liquid sample; a testing element for testing the analyte in liquid sample; and a cover for covering the opening of the collection chamber; wherein the apparatus further includes a prompting device for prompting if the cover is covered to a specified location, and the prompting device shall at least includes a first element and a second element, the first element is in contact with the second element, wherein one element vibrates to produce a sound. In some preferred ways, the second element produces friction with the first element, to cause one of the elements to generate vibrations. The apparatus in the present invention can allow the prompting sound to be clear and loud.

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.

A microfluidic device that reads a colloidal mixture and separates the colloids based upon size and shape. and in the case of polymer colloids such as DNA, it reads patterns of markers attached to DNA. The combination of different separated fractions and DNA markers (it mapping) constitutes the physical code.

A secure specimen sample bottle includes a base container for receiving a specimen. The base container has a plurality of locking protrusions formed along an inner surface of the base receptacle. A bottle includes a lock ring that has an upright spire structure that has a closed top end and the opposing open bottom end including a plurality of flexible fins that are configured to interlockingly mate with the locking protrusions so as to prevent removal of the lock ring relative to the base container upon engagement of the flexible fins to the locking protrusions. A removable cap is coupled to the lock ring.

The present invention provides for a fully integrated microfluidic system capable of producing single-dose amounts of biotherapeutics at the point-of-care wherein protein production, purification and product harvest are all integrated as a single microfluidic device which is portable and capable of continuous-flow production of biotherapeutics at the microscale using a cell-free reaction system.