Multiplex assays are extremely useful in biomedical research for producing genomic and proteomic data.  The ability to translate novel biomarkers for various diseases into new diagnostic multiplex assays is highly attractive from a drug discovery point of view.  However, the actual execution of creating such high-throughput multiplex assays remains challenging, as they require the ability to reliably track the identity and location of individual probes throughout an experiment.  One way of accomplishing this is by using encoded beads, where uniquely identifiable beads are attached to each individual probe.  Spectral encoding is a popular method of encoding beads and involves mixtures of luminescent materials that emit light at different wavelengths in order to generate distinguishable output signatures.  Typically, however, this approach is limited by low photostability and small numbers of usable unique codes.  In order to accelerate the discovery of new biomarkers for drug discovery purposes, there is a need for a more efficient and cost-effective method of creating encoded beads for high-throughput multiplex assays.      (more...)

The primary application for gyroscopes is in navigation.  While the currently available gyroscopes have important applications, these are limited due to large size, and sensitivity to temperature.To meet these challenges, investigators at University of California at Berkeley have developed a miniature diamond gyroscope, based on nitrogen vacancy centers in diamonds. This miniature diamond gyroscope extend the capabilities of existing technology by enabling gyroscopes of very small sizes.  The miniature diamond gyroscope provides new technique for sensing rotations based on the negatively-charged nitrogen-vacancy NV center in diamond.  The key advantages of this technology is that it is all-solid-state, operates over a wide range of temperatures.  The active part of the sensor is very small, on the scale of 1 cubic millimeter.  The sensitivity under optimal conditions is comparable to or better than other large scale gyroscope technologies. Publication- http://arxiv.org/abs/1205.0093, (more...)

Although computer-generated (CG) effects enable actors to appear visually realistic in virtual worlds, producing realistic interaction between real actors and virtual objects, features, or characters remains challenging. Because actors often perform outside the context of a virtual scene, seamless integration relies heavily on manual post-processing efforts to synchronize an actor's performance with CG effects.  Prof. Victor Zordan at UCR has developed a technique that previsualizes final integrated scenes at the time of performance acquisition. The technique is able to synthesize realistic dynamic interactions in the virtual world while faithfully preserving the nuances of the actor's performance. The system combines real-time motion capture with physical simulation to generate visible response to virtual interaction while: allowing the actor to respond in a timely manner; curbing the need for the capture of physical artifacts; and creating a host of solutions for hard-to-capture scenarios including custom character-character interactions.  UCR’s technology will find utility in the effects, games, and motion picture industries for generating realistic interaction between characters and objects (or other characters) in their environment. The Office of Technology Commercialization is currently looking for partners who will license this technology from UCR. (more...)

Currently, pressure pumps for specific microfluidics require electrical power.  This can be a serious limitations in field-work devices where power can be intermittent or completely lacking.  Further, the complexity of powered systems can lead to breakdowns, and require considerable space in systems which benefit from a smaller profile. In response to these challenges, investigators at University of California at Berkeley have developed versatile ‘human-powered’ microfluidic pumps.  These pumps serve as a modular element to provide pressure head for a variety of microfluidic systems. The investigators have achieved (1) human finger as the pumping actuation force, (2) pumping without using any electricity, (3) integrated pump with a passive safety valve and two one-way valves, and (4) successful demonstration in delivering fluids/particles into a microfluidic chip. For the first time, we have demonstrated that measured pressure head by a human finger was between 3-4kPa, which is sufficient to power fluids for various microfluidic applications, such as point-of-care diagnostics. (more...)

Recently, engineers at UC San Diego’s Coordinated Robotics Lab unveiled an exciting and clever new robotic platform that throws a mean fastball. Named the IFling, this third installment in the research program led by Professor Tom Bewley has realized a fun and interactive robotic R/C toy that is fast-paced, fascinating, and interactive. There are two main novel features of the new design; the integrated ball pickup mechanism and the Jai Alai style throwing-arm design. (more...)

Over one in five Americans, approximately 54 million people, have some type of disability. People with disabilities are the largest minority group in our nation. Some thirty percent of our nation’s families have one or more members with a disability, and Americans over the age of 65 account for fifty percent of the total disabled population. Approximately 1.5 million Americans use a wheelchair, and only 155,000 of these users are using electric chairs. Many people with limited mobility have difficulty getting up from a conventional chair and though many inventors and engineering designers have tried to solve this issue, their solutions involve buying another device separate from the wheelchair.  To address this challenge, investigators at the University of California at Berkeley specifically designed a system that allows the seat of the wheelchair to tilt forward and upward, putting the person in a nearly standing position for an easier transition from sitting to standing.  The front of the seat will hinge while the back is raised by two hydraulic pistons. The pistons will be mounted to crossbars of the frame directly below the back of the seat. The pistons will be powered by a small electric motor mounted to the bottom of the rear of the seat. A button to initiate the raising of the pistons, as well a hydraulic slow-release button will be placed on the right arm rest of the chair. A small battery to power the electronics will be place directly next to the motor for convenience. This system not only makes life more comfortable, but also makes the person with limited mobility more independent when transitioning from their wheelchair. This self- help prototype assists the person in their daily living activities by allowing them easy access out of their personal transportation device. (more...)

Present day robots use a variety of locomotive means (multiple sets of legs, tracks, and wheels) to move about. All of these schemes, however, have historically yielded slow and/or unstable robotic platforms or have been terrain limited. In the case of legged robots, which can handle rougher terrain, typically only one leg will move at a time, so as to ensure overall stability. This yields a very slow progression, wasting energy stores and time. In tracked and wheeled systems, while somewhat faster in their rate of travel, with added stability, they are limited to relatively smooth terrain. What is needed is a means of locomotion which affords both fast rates of travel, as well as stability. (more...)

Cells have long been sorted by various means including through electrokinetic sorting, differential uptake of chemicals, magnetic antibodies specific to the target cell surface, and flow-cytometry assays. A key limitation to these methods is that they are either not sufficiently specific to isolate dead cells from live cells or they render the sorted cells unusable for clinical applications. UC investigators have developed a cell sorting platform that allows sorting live cells from minimally viable cells and dead cells, while minimizing the risk of damage to the live cells during the sorting process. This process does not require that properties of the cell be known a priori, and allows for greater flexibility of sorting patterns. This platform is high-throughput and retrieves groups of sorted cells. (more...)