1. Pocket Microscope (LUCAS),
Aydogan Ozcan, an electrical engineer at the University
of California, Los
Angeles (UCLA). It is a cheap way of doing something
that usually requires a microscope. LUCAS (Lensless, Ultra-wide-field Cell
monitoring Array platform based on Shadow imaging), an easy-to-use, pocket-size
holographic microscope that weighs less than 50g, uses inexpensive,
off-the-shelf parts, and can be attached to a cell phone’s camera, making it
ideal for diagnosing disease in isolated, developing countries.
2. All Around the
Mouse (BioFLECT), the first 360-degree optical imager, which uses a
rotating ring of 48 detectors to generate a full 3-D scan of fluorescent
markers. This instrument should greatly enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of
locating fluorescently labeled cells and compounds in live animals, enabling a
whole range of in vivo experiments.
3. PCR in a Pouch (FilmArray
system), Mark Poritz, Idaho Technology Inc. Designed to make pathogen
detection simple, accurate, and fast. Incredibly easy one-step multiplexed PCR.
4. Single-Cell Mass
Cytometry (CyTOF), DVS Sciences. a mass spectrometer that can feed
researchers data about molecules within and on the surface of individual cells,
revealing not only the cell’s identity but also some of its functions. Revolutionary
instrument allows the analysis of potentially over a hundred different
antibodies binding to thousands of cells.
5. Illuminating
Microscopy (N-SIM Super Resolution Microscope), University
of California, San Francisco. N-SIM
technology provides researchers with the ability to combine the molecular
specificity of fluorescently tagged proteins with a significant improvement in
resolution allowing them to observe fine structural details which were
previously obscured by diffraction.
6. DNA Deluge (ThunderStorm
System), RainDance Technologies. ThunderStorm System for DNA sequencing is
the newest iteration of the company’s popular next-generation RDT1000 model. The
ThunderStorm allows researchers to sequence up to 20,000 regions per sample.
The product is ideal for large genome-wide association studies with thousands
of samples.
7. Mini MRI (M2 Compact MRI System), Aspect Imaging. Owning a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
machine generally requires a lead-lined room, a plumbed-in cooling system,
expert operators, and a few million dollars. Now, all you need is about one square
meter of space and $500,000. A portable MRI instrument that can be used in a
non-expert dedicated lab represents a significant advance for this important
technique.
8. The Circadian
Watch (Dimesimeter), Lighting Research
Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute. Wear it as a wristband,
badge, pendant, or pin it to your shirt or hat—the Dimesimeter isn’t the latest
fashion statement, but it may offer researchers insights into how disrupting
circadian rhythms affects human physiology, behavior, and disease.
9. One-Step Sample
Prep (LAESI), chemist Akos Vertes of George
Washington University
developed Protea Biosciences, Inc.’s LAESI (Laser Ablation Electrospray
Ionization) DP-1000 System. A new way of doing imaging mass spectrometry that
gets away from some of the extensive sample preparation previously needed.
Should make MS-imaging more reproducible and accessible.
10. Super-Resolution
Solution (SR GSD Microscopy System), Leica Microsystems. Many people
consider improvement in imaging as one of the most exciting fields in light
microscopy. It would be fantastic to improve imaging in the nm range.
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