A method for the identification and localization of small molecule species in a histologic thin tissue section comprises the steps of: a) acquiring a mass/mobility image of the tissue section and generating a mass/mobility map of the small molecule species of interest for each pixel of the image; b) providing a second sample of the same tissue and extracting the small molecules of interest, separating them, and acquiring mass and ion mobility spectra from the separated small molecules; c) identifying the small molecules of interest using corresponding reference databases; and d) assigning identified small molecules to entries in the mass/mobility maps of the first tissue section by comparison of ion masses and mobilities of the identified species to those of the second thin tissue section.

Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus for positioning and securing an excised biological tissue specimen for imaging and analysis. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a sample bag defining an inner volume configured to receive a biological tissue sample, and a sealing member coupled to the sample bag. An imaging window is disposed and configured to be placed in contact with at least a portion of the biological tissue sample, and a positioning member is coupled to the imaging window and is configured to be disposed against the sealing member to substantially seal the inner volume. The positioning member includes a vacuum port disposed and configured to be aligned with a vacuum source to withdraw air from the inner volume of the sample bag.

One type of tissue-based assay, the companion diagnostic (“CDx”) allows for the identification of individuals within a larger patient population who are more likely to respond to a therapy. The CDx paradigm typically applies to drugs that target a specific gene product or biologic pathway involving a gene product of interest. It is possible, especially for popular therapeutic targets, for multiple drugs and multiple associated CDx to be developed for a single gene product or biologic pathway involving the gene product. Currently, each of these similar CDx must be applied to identify the best therapy. The present invention can determine the outcome of one CDx using an image of a tissue section used for another CDx. Using a single tissue section and a single CDx, it becomes possible to obtain the outcome of multiple, related CDx.

A contractile tissue-based analysis device is provided, in which a strip of contractile tissue is supported by support structure. The support structure comprises a substantially planar base element, and first and second support pillars extending from said base element. An optical detection device is arranged on the side of the base element opposite to said support pillars, and is arranged to capture image data from at least one of the head portions of the support pillars. The motion of the support pillars induced by the strip of contractile tissue can thus be captured from below, i.e. through the planar base element.

Systems and methods are provided for improved intra-operative micro-CT imaging of explanted tissue samples and for improved visualization of such samples. These embodiments provide for reduced scan times and the ability for radiologists to quickly receive useful scan imagery and to provide accurately-communicated recommendations to the operating surgeon. Improved scan visualization methods facilitate surgeon and radiologist interaction with the scan data, including of annotation, viewing, and reorientation to accurately reflect the orientation of imaged tissue samples relative to the body prior to explantation. Improved visualization methods include color-coded sample texturing to indicate sample orientation, color-coded tumor visualization to indicate proximity to sample margins, and intuitive methods for adjusting the location and orientation of two-dimensional visualizations relative to the sample.

An internal prediction method includes acquiring an image of a cell aggregate, calculating a feature amount related to a shape of the cell aggregate on the basis of the image, and outputting structure information related to an internal structure of the cell aggregate on the basis of the feature amount.

A cell culture apparatus includes: a substrate having a first surface; a pair of structures each having a wall surface intersecting the first surface, the wall surfaces facing each other; and an electrode disposed on the first surface and traversing a space between the wall surfaces, the electrode and each of the wail surfaces forming an angle other than 90 degrees.

An excrement analysis apparatus includes an inputter, a memory, a first analyzer, and a second analyzer. The inputter inputs imaging data captured by an image capture apparatus installed in such a way as to include, in a capturing range, an excretion range of excrement in a toilet bowl of a toilet. The memory temporarily holds the imaging data input by the inputter. The first analyzer analyzes first analysis target data being the imaging data input by the inputter, and outputs notification information to an observer who observes a user of the toilet. The second analyzer analyzes second analysis target data being the imaging data that is input by the inputter and temporarily held by the memory, and outputs detailed information indicating a content of excretion.

An in vitro method for detecting presence of cancer includes obtaining a single hair sample. An x-ray beam is emitted from a source towards the hair sample. A small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) intensity profile is generated after the x-ray beam hits the hair sample. The SAXS profile is received on a detector to obtain SAXS data, which is desmeared and Kratky Analysis is performed. A relative estimation of peak area under 1.38 nm.sup.−1 to 0.89 nm.sup.−1 from keratin and lipid content in the hair sample is performed to obtain R and is corrected by dividing by D, thickness of the hair. R′ is computed using formula: 10×R.sup.2/(D−R). The value of R′ is compared with clinically validated samples. If R′ value is below 0.7, it indicates the presence of cancer and if it is above 0.8, it indicates absence of cancer.

The present invention provides compositions and methods for imaging tumor resections.