A system and method for developing applications (Apps) for automated assessment and analysis of processed biological samples. Such samples are obtained, combined with nutrient media and incubated. The incubated samples are imaged and the image information is classified according to predetermined criteria. The classified image information is then evaluated according to Apps derived from classified historical image information in a data base. The classified historical image information is compared with the classified image information to provide guidance on further processing of the biological sample through Apps tailored to process provide sample process guidance tailored to the classifications assigned to the image information.

A reaction container includes a transparent base including a resin material and having recessed portions formed in one or more regions of the transparent base such that the recessed portions are recessed from a surface of the transparent base, and a cover member including a thermoplastic resin material and positioned on the transparent base such that the cover member forms a flow path including a gap extending over the recessed portions between the cover member and the surface of the transparent base and has a spacer portion welded by laser irradiation to the transparent base outside the one or more regions of the transparent base. The cover member absorbs infrared light and transmits light having a wavelength within a range of visible light such that the cover member has light transmittance in the range of from 480 nm to 570 nm.

A reaction container including a transparent base having a first surface having at least one region where recessed portions are formed and recessed from the first surface, and a cover member positioned such that the cover member forms a gap from the first surface inside the region and is welded to the transparent base outside the region. The cover member absorbs infrared light and transmits light having a wavelength within a range of visible light.

A laser processing machine for killing specific cells from a group of cells on a surface of a layer containing an ingredient capable of absorbing laser light, the laser processing machine being configured to: control a laser light source to output laser light at 5 W or less and at a wavelength of 380 nm or greater such that the laser light source is applied to a second area on a second surface of the layer opposed to the first surface; and control an actuator to provide a relative movement between the second area where the laser light is applied and the layer at a rate of 2000 mm/sec or less such that the irradiated second area absorbs energy to generate heat that kills unwanted cells on a first area of the first surface and the laser light does not instantly kill the specific cells on the first area upon irradiation.

An apparatus (10) comprising: a light source (12); to cast light toward a substrate (20) defining a bacteria binding volume to create an evanescent field (22), the bacteria binding volume being within the evanescent field; a detector (32, 34) arranged to receive light from the bacteria binding volume and output data (36, 37); and a processor (38) arranged to determine vibration of bacteria (26) with the bacteria binding volume in three-dimensions from the data.

A cell culture vessel for use with a laser processing machine, including: a layer containing an ingredient that generates heat upon laser irradiation; the layer kills specific cells from among a group of cells cultured on a first surface of the layer when a second surface of the layer is irradiated with laser light having an output of 5W or less at a wavelength of 380 nm or greater and a relative movement between a second area on the second surface where the laser light is applied and the layer is at a rate of 2000 mm/sec or less such that the second area absorbs energy of the laser light to generate heat that kills the specific cells that are present on a first area of the first surface and the laser light does not instantly kill the specific cells on the first area upon irradiation with the laser light.

The present invention provides methods for determining the antimicrobial susceptibility of a microorganism in a clinical sample said method comprising removing a test aliquot from a clinical sample culture before the culture reaches 0.5 McFarland units, isolating the microbial cells and transferring the cells into a suitable culture medium for microbial growth, and performing an AST assay using the isolated microbes, wherein the concentration of microbial cells in the microbial cells used to set up the AST assay is measured before the degree of microbial growth in the different growth conditions of the AST assay is measured. Devices for determining the antimicrobial susceptibility of a microorganism in a clinical sample are also provided.

System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.

A method of killing specific cells from among a group of cells cultured in a culture vessel by quick and brief laser treatment, the cell culture vessel comprising a main body and a to-be-irradiated layer attached to the main body, the to-be-irradiated layer containing an ingredient capable of absorbing laser light upon laser irradiation, the group of cells being cultured on the surface of the to-be-irradiated layer, the method comprising: applying laser light to a partial area of the to-be-irradiated layer directly below the specific cells.

A method for determining the antimicrobial susceptibility of a microorganism in a clinical sample includes removing a test aliquot from a clinical sample culture before the culture reaches 0.5 McFarland units and isolating the microbial cells. The cells are transferred into a suitable culture medium for microbial growth and an AST assay is performed using the isolated microbes. The concentration of microbial cells in the microbial cells used to set up the AST assay is measured before measuring the degree of microbial growth in different conditions of the AST assay. Devices for determining the anti-microbial susceptibility of a microorganism in a clinical sample are also disclosed.