This technology introduces an innovative microscopy system that integrates multimodal optical coherence microscopy (OCM) with a confocal fluorescence microscope (CFM) to enhance the diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease (DED). By capturing and combining depth-sectioned cross-sectional images with contrast images of fluorescent molecule-labeled cells, it offers a superior visualization of the eye surface, enabling precise detection and diagnosis of DED and other corneal conditions.
This technology encompasses the discovery and development of small molecule inhibitors that target the regulatory kinase MAP4K3, identified through a rigorous in silico and in vitro screening process. These inhibitors are poised for therapeutic applications, particularly in treating various neurological diseases and cancers, by modulating the MAP4K3 pathway which is critical for cellular metabolic processes and has been implicated in disease pathogenesis.
Like eukaryotic cells, prokaryotes must defend against parasitic infection. Well-characterized mechanisms of innate immunity in bacteria include mechanisms that block phage adsorption or DNA injection, abortive infection (Abi) and restriction/modification systems (RMS). More recent evidence suggests that prokaryotes have evolved an adaptive immune system that might be functionally analogous to RNA interference in eukaryotes. Initial evidence for this immune system emerged from in silico analysis of a distinctive repetitive DNA feature that is common in prokaryotic genomes. These repetitive elements, called CRISPRs (Clustered Regularly lnter spaced Short Palindromic Repeats), consist of a short repeat (24-48nt) sequence followed by a 'unique' spacer sequence of approximately the same length.
CRISPRs are transcribed and processed into small CRISPR-derived RNAs (crRNA) that are proposed to serve as sequence-specific guides for the targeted interference of viral and plasmid replication. A variable cassette of up to 45 protein families representing at least seven distinct immune system subtypes mediates this nucleic acid-based immune system. CRISPR-associated gene 1 (cas1) encodes the only universally conserved protein component of CRISPR immune systems, yet its function is unknown.
UC Berkeley researchers discovered the structural basis for the endonuclease activity of Cas1 protein. The crystal structure of the Cas1 protein reveals a novel fold organized into an N-terminal p-strand domain and a C-terminal α helical domain. The structure and DNA specific nuclease activity of Cas1 provides a foundation for understanding the potential role for this protein in the recognition, cleavage and/or integration of foreign nucleic acids into CRISPRs.
Inventors: Gerard Wysocki, Andreas Hangauer
Princeton researchers have developed a novel methodology that enables simultaneous ranging and spectroscopic chemical detection, combining capabilities that are not achievable with current state-of-the-art continuous wave laser-based spectrometers. This system employs a continuous-wave laser modulated by a time-varying radio frequency signal to produce spectral sidebands that encode chemical spectral information and range data. The modulated light passes through an optical path—potentially encountering multiple reflections or scattering—and is then detected and down-converted into a complex baseband signal. The resulting signal is demodulated to extract instantaneous frequency shifts that correspond directly to changes in optical path lengths. Integrated with real-time signal processing techniques such as phase correction and harmonic analysis, the technology delivers both accurate chemical concentration data and precise range measurements using only a single laser source and detector for multiple cascaded sensing paths. This approach is differentiated by its ability to combine remote chemical sensing with simultaneous optical path length determination in a continuous-wave system, bypassing the typical limitations found in pulsed methods like Raman LIDAR. By leveraging chirped radio frequency modulation and specialized signal processing, the system simplifies calibration and enables multi-path analysis, offering high chemical sensitivity and extensive range capabilities that are particularly valuable for applications such as gas plume monitoring and complex optical environments.
A continuous-wave laser system uses RF modulation to produce sidebands that encode spectroscopic and range information via frequency chirp. It demodulates a complex baseband signal, applying phase corrections, harmonic analysis, and path separation filtering to extract precise chemical concentrations and optical path lengths. This technique supports single or cascaded sensor layouts, offering simultaneous high-sensitivity remote chemical sensing with robust multipath resolution even under low light-return conditions.
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Experimental verification has been completed in the following publication, where the observed behavior was as theoretically predicted:
Contact
Renee Sanchez
New Ventures & Licensing Associate • (609) 258-6762 • renee.sanchez@Princeton.edu