The present invention relates to an improved process for synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), in particular cell-free enzymatic synthesis of DNA, preferably on a large or industrial scale, with an improved yield and/or with an improved efficiency. The invention requires the use of nucleotide complexes wherein the nucleotide is associated with a mixture of divalent and monovalent cations. Preferably, the divalent cation may be magnesium or manganese.

The present invention relates to an improved process for synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), in particular cell-free enzymatic synthesis of DNA, preferably on a large or industrial scale, with an improved yield and/or with an improved efficiency. The invention requires the use of nucleotide complexes wherein the nucleotide is associated with a mixture of divalent and monovalent cations. Preferably, the divalent cation may be magnesium or manganese.

Disclosed herein are mechanically-strained oligonucleotide constructs comprising two oligonucleotides that when hybridized results in a bent double-stranded oligonucleotide. The constructs may be used to probe oligonucleotide interactions with an analyte to detect interactions with metal ions or compounds.

Disclosed herein are mechanically-strained oligonucleotide constructs comprising two oligonucleotides that when hybridized results in a bent double-stranded oligonucleotide. The constructs may be used to probe oligonucleotide interactions with an analyte to detect interactions with metal ions or compounds.

Methods and compositions for attaching cell-specific barcodes without formation of partitions is provided.

The invention relates to a nucleic acid detection system, a diagnostic device, use of the nucleic acid detection system as a diagnostic agent, a kit-of-parts for detecting nucleic acids, a method for detecting nucleic acids, and a method for diagnosing a disease state of a subject. The nucleic acid detection system comprises a CRISPR-Cas system which comprises an effector protein and one or more guide RNAs having a guide sequence, the guide sequence being capable of targeting the effector protein to a target sequence of a target, and the effector protein exhibiting target-activated nucleic acid cleavage activity capable of cleaving nucleic acid reporter molecules to generate nucleic acid fragments; and a polymerase exhibiting catalytic activity capable of transferring nucleotides to the fragments to form polynucleotide tails, wherein preferably the detection system is a nucleic acid fluorescence detection system.

The invention relates to a nucleic acid detection system, a diagnostic device, use of the nucleic acid detection system as a diagnostic agent, a kit-of-parts for detecting nucleic acids, a method for detecting nucleic acids, and a method for diagnosing a disease state of a subject. The nucleic acid detection system comprises a CRISPR-Cas system which comprises an effector protein and one or more guide RNAs having a guide sequence, the guide sequence being capable of targeting the effector protein to a target sequence of a target, and the effector protein exhibiting target-activated nucleic acid cleavage activity capable of cleaving nucleic acid reporter molecules to generate nucleic acid fragments; and a polymerase exhibiting catalytic activity capable of transferring nucleotides to the fragments to form polynucleotide tails, wherein preferably the detection system is a nucleic acid fluorescence detection system.

Provided for herein is a method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid target molecule in a biological sample. In certain aspects, the method comprises contacting a test sample that comprises (i) a biological sample comprising a nucleic acid target molecule and (ii) an osmylated single-stranded oligonucleotide probe comprising at least one pyrimidine residue covalently bonded to a substituted or unsubstituted Osmium tetroxide (OsO.sub.4)-2,2′-bypyridine group (OsBp group).

Provided for herein is a method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid target molecule in a biological sample. In certain aspects, the method comprises contacting a test sample that comprises (i) a biological sample comprising a nucleic acid target molecule and (ii) an osmylated single-stranded oligonucleotide probe comprising at least one pyrimidine residue covalently bonded to a substituted or unsubstituted Osmium tetroxide (OsO.sub.4)-2,2′-bypyridine group (OsBp group).

Methods and apparatus for rapid and accurate detection of nucleic acid in a single reaction chamber are provided. In one aspect, a patient specimen suspected of comprising a first nucleic acid is used to form a crude lysate which is combined with an infrared absorbing material, a detecting nucleic acid, and at least one reporter molecule in the single reaction chamber and heated by irradiating the reaction mixture with infrared light. Another aspect is directed to an apparatus for detecting a presence or absence of a plurality of different molecules within a reaction container. The apparatus comprises an infrared light source aimed to illuminate contents of the reaction container; an excitation light source positioned to illuminate contents of the reaction container; and a spectrometer positioned to detect emission light emanating from the reaction container.