Gene Expression Measurement Module (GEMM) for space application: Design and validation.

In order to facilitate studies on the impact of the space environment on biological systems, we have developed a prototype of GEMM (Gene Expression Measurement Module) - an automated, miniaturized, integrated fluidic system for in-situ measurements of gene expression in microbial samples. The GEMM instrument is capable of (1) lysing bacterial cell walls, (2) extracting and purifying RNA released from cells, (3) hybridizing the RNA to probes attached to a microarray and (4) providing electrochemical readout, all in a microfluidics cartridge. To function on small, uncrewed spacecraft, the conventional, laboratory protocols for both sample preparation and hybridization required significant modifications.

Point of Care Ultrasound in Family Medicine Residency Programs: A CERA Study.

Background And Objectives: Point-of-care (POC) ultrasound is increasingly used by clinicians across multiple medical specialties. Current perceptions and prevalence of POC ultrasound practice and training in family medicine residency programs has not been described.

Methods: Questions were included in the 2014 Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance (CERA) survey of family medicine residency directors.

Macro to nano: a simple method for transporting cultured cells from milliliter scale to nanoliter scale.

Microfluidic devices are well-suited for the study of metabolism and paracrine and autocrine signaling because they allow steady or intermittent perfusion of biological cells at cell densities that approach those in living tissue. They also enable the study of small populations of rare cells. However, it can be difficult to introduce the cells into a microfluidic device to achieve and control such densities without damaging or clumping the cells.