Autologous NK cells propagated and activated decrease senescence markers in human PBMCs.

Aging is a multifactorial process involving many steps including senescence. The immune system plays a critical role in aging where chronic inflammation and senescence has been shown to be detrimental. Natural killer (NK) cells are the predominant innate lymphocyte subset that mediate various responses to include surveillance and elimination of senescent cells.

Analysis of in vitro replicated human hepatitis C virus (HCV) for the determination of genotypes and quasispecies.

Isolation and self-replication of infectious HCV has been a difficult task. However, this is needed for the purposes of developing rational drugs and for the analysis of the natural virus. Our recent report of an in vitro system for the isolation of human HCV from infected patients and their replication in tissue culture addresses this challenge.

Allosteric aptamers controlling a signal amplification cascade allow visual detection of molecules at picomolar concentrations.

A broadly applicable homogeneous detection system has been developed. It utilizes components of the blood coagulation cascade in the presence of polystyrene microspheres (MS) as a signal amplifier. Russell's viper venom factor X activator (RVV-X) triggers the cascade, which results in an eye-visible phase transition (precipitation) of MS bound to clotted fibrin.

Self-assembly of DNA double-double crossover complexes into high-density, doubly connected, planar structures.

We designed a molecular complex, the double-double crossover, consisting of four DNA double helices connected by six reciprocal exchanges. Atomic force micrographs suggest that double-double crossover complexes self-assemble into high-density, doubly connected, two-dimensional, planar structures. Such structures may be suitable as substrates for the deposition of nanomaterials in the creation of high-density electrical and quantum devices.

Transmission of human hepatitis C virus from patients in secondary cells for long term culture.

Infection by human hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the principal cause of post-transfusion hepatitis and chronic liver diseases worldwide. A reliable in vitro culture system for the isolation and analysis of this virus is not currently available, and, as a consequence, HCV pathogenesis is poorly understood. We report here the first robust in vitro system for the isolation and propagation of HCV from infected donor blood.