In some aspects, the disclosure relates to compositions and methods useful for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as leukodystrophies (e.g., Canavan Disease). In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering to a subject an N-acetylaspartate (NAA)-depleting agent or an N-acetylaspartate (NAA)-depleting agent based upon the subject's metabolic profile.

A method for the quality control of dairy products is disclosed. The method includes scanning the surface of a dairy product test sample using a chromatic scanner system to generate a spectral pattern of reflected light intensities, which pattern is unique to the test sample. The spectral pattern from the test sample is compared with spectral patterns from one or more reference dairy products to provide an indication of test sample identify, quality and/or nutritional content.

A method for the quality control of dairy products is disclosed. The method includes scanning the surface of a dairy product test sample using a chromatic scanner system to generate a spectral pattern of reflected light intensities, which pattern is unique to the test sample. The spectral pattern from the test sample is compared with spectral patterns from one or more reference dairy products to provide an indication of test sample identify, quality and/or nutritional content.

Described herein are trehalose analogues. Also described herein are methods of making the trehalose analogues and uses of the analogues. For example, the disclosed trehalose analogues may be useful in the detection of bacteria.

A system for analyzing fluid includes a housing having first and second opposing surfaces spaced to form a fluid chamber, a light source disposed to direct light at the first surface of the housing; and a digital imaging circuit disposed to detect light at the second surface of the housing. The digital imaging circuit includes a pixel array configured to capture one or more digital images of an illuminated fluid. The system also includes a processor configured to: capture multiple digital images of the fluid at different camera exposure levels, calculate a net radiant energy value at a plurality of different integration times within at least two images, calculate a slope of the net radiant energy value with respect to integration time in a selected image, and determine size distribution and volume fraction of particles within the fluid based on the calculated slope.

A system for analyzing fluid includes a housing having first and second opposing surfaces spaced to form a fluid chamber, a light source disposed to direct light at the first surface of the housing; and a digital imaging circuit disposed to detect light at the second surface of the housing. The digital imaging circuit includes a pixel array configured to capture one or more digital images of an illuminated fluid. The system also includes a processor configured to: capture multiple digital images of the fluid at different camera exposure levels, calculate a net radiant energy value at a plurality of different integration times within at least two images, calculate a slope of the net radiant energy value with respect to integration time in a selected image, and determine size distribution and volume fraction of particles within the fluid based on the calculated slope.

A spectrometer equipped with an integrating sphere is used to measure a reflection spectrum from a suspension in a container when the suspension is irradiated with measurement light, of which wavelengths are selected from a wavelength range including near infrared. Reflection spectra of a number of types of standard samples, of which concentrations in the suspension are already known, are used to prepare a measurement model in accordance with an assay technique on the basis of a recursion. A concentration of the material in the suspension is found using the measurement model.

A spectrometer equipped with an integrating sphere is used to measure a reflection spectrum from a suspension in a container when the suspension is irradiated with measurement light, of which wavelengths are selected from a wavelength range including near infrared. Reflection spectra of a number of types of standard samples, of which concentrations in the suspension are already known, are used to prepare a measurement model in accordance with an assay technique on the basis of a recursion. A concentration of the material in the suspension is found using the measurement model.

A method of providing an indication as to the amount of milk remaining in a breast during lactation based on a determined fat content of milk that has been expressed from said breast is disclosed. The method of determining said fat content comprises measuring an optical characteristic of milk following expression and by comparing said measured optical characteristic with data representing a corresponding optical characteristic of a sample of milk having a known fat content to determine the fat content of said expressed milk which is indicative of the amount of milk remaining in the breast.

A method of providing an indication as to the amount of milk remaining in a breast during lactation based on a determined fat content of milk that has been expressed from said breast is disclosed. The method of determining said fat content comprises measuring an optical characteristic of milk following expression and by comparing said measured optical characteristic with data representing a corresponding optical characteristic of a sample of milk having a known fat content to determine the fat content of said expressed milk which is indicative of the amount of milk remaining in the breast.