Many Harvard University faculty and researchers were among the inventors issued U.S. patents in the months of January, February, and March 2021.

The Harvard innovations recently recognized by the USPTO are as follows:

Aerodynamic devices for enhancing lift and reducing drag
U.S. Patent 10,882,606 (January 5, 2021)

Katia Bertoldi, August G. Domel, George V. Lauder, Mehdi Saadat, and Hossein Haj-Hariri

Abstract: An aerodynamic device for enhancing lift and reducing drag on a body, comprising a plurality of raised members, each having a symmetric profile and including a central portion having an elongated profile, and first and second outer portions having elongated profiles and arranged substantially parallel to and on opposing sides of the central portion, wherein the plurality of raised members are situated adjacent one another to form a continuous structure on or defining at least a portion of a surface of the body and oriented such that the raised members are substantially aligned with a direction of localized flow on the body. An aerodynamic device for enhancing lift and reducing drag of a flying disc, wherein the plurality of raised members are situated adjacent one another to form a continuous structure and the raised members are oriented in a substantially circumferential direction on the surface of the flying disc.

Methods of treating diabetes by an adipocyte protein 2 specific antibody
U.S. Patent 10,882,901 (January 5, 2021)

Gokhan S. Hotamisligil and Haiming Cao

Abstract: A method of reducing a symptom of a clinical disorder characterized by aberrantly elevated circulating aP2 is carried out by administering to a subject an inhibitor of secreted aP2, secretion of aP2, or a serum aP2 blocking agent. For example, glucose intolerance is reduced following administration of such an inhibitor or agent. Exemplary compositions inhibit cellular secretion of aP2 or bind to circulating aP2, thereby reducing the level or activity of aP2 in blood or serum.

Method and system of nanopore-based information encoding
U.S. Patent 10,883,140 (January 5, 2021)

George M. Church, Mirko Palla, Peter Benjamin Stranges, and Jeffrey Matthew Nivala

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems of DNA synthesis including providing an encoding unit comprising an enzyme, a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and a nanopore, providing a lipid bilayer having on opposite sides a cis and a trans reservoir each having a different buffer composition, wherein the nanopore is within the lipid bilayer and the enzyme and the ssDNA are in the cis reservoir, providing an electrode over the lipid bilayer wherein the electrode can modulate voltage across the lipid bilayer, wherein the enzyme catalyzes DNA synthesis in response to the voltage.

Methods of amplifying nucleic acid sequences mediated by transposase/transposon DNA complexes
U.S. Patent 10,894,980 (January 19, 2021)

Chongyi Chen, Dong Xing, and Xiaoliang Sunney Xie

Abstract: Methods are provided for nucleic acid amplification including contacting a double stranded nucleic acid with transposases bound to transposon DNA, wherein the transposon DNA includes a transposase binding site and an RNA polymerase promoter sequence, wherein the transposases/transposon DNA complex bind to target locations along the double stranded nucleic acid and cleave the double stranded nucleic acid into a plurality of double stranded fragments, with each double stranded fragment having the transposon DNA bound to each 5' end of the double stranded fragment, extending the double stranded fragments along the transposon DNA to make double stranded extension products having double stranded RNA polymerase promoter sequences at each end, contacting the double stranded extension products with an RNA polymerase to make a plurality of RNA transcripts of each double stranded extension product, reverse transcribing the RNA transcripts into single stranded copy DNA, forming complementary strands to the single stranded copy DNA to form a plurality of double stranded DNA amplicons corresponding to each double stranded fragment.

Nanoscale nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy
U.S. Patent 10,895,617 (January 19, 2021)

Igor Lovchinsky, Javier Sanchez, Elana K. Urbach, Soonwon Choi, Trond Andersen, Philip Kim, Hongkun Park, and Mikhail D. Lukin

Abstract: A method for probing the properties of nanoscale materials, such as 2D materials or proteins, via nanometer-scale nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy using individual atom-like impurities in diamond. Coherent manipulation of shallow nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers enables the probing of the NQR spectrum of nanoscale ensembles of nuclear spins. Measuring the NQR spectrum at different magnetic field orientations and magnitudes and fitting to a theoretical model allows for the extraction of atomic structural properties of the material with nanoscale resolution.

Methods and apparatus for modulating light using a deformable soft dielectric
U.S. Patent 10,895,736 (January 19, 2021)

Samuel Shian and David Clarke

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modulating light thorough a transparent laminate structure. The transparent laminate structure includes at least one soft dielectric layer and at least one stiff dielectric layer having a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the at least one soft dielectric layer. The transparent laminate structure further comprises a plurality of stiff conductive elements formed on a surface of the at least one soft dielectric layer that, in the presence of an electric field, compress the at least one soft dielectric layer to alter a morphology of the surface of the at least one soft dielectric layer on which the plurality of stiff conductive elements are formed. Light incident on the surface of the at least one soft dielectric layer is scattered by the undulating morphology of the surface, thereby reducing the transmission of light through the transparent laminate structure.

Compositions and methods for diagnosing prostate cancer using a gene expression signature
U.S. Patent 10,900,086 (January 26, 2021)

Michaela Bowden, Svitlana Tyekucheva, Massimo Loda, and Lorelei Mucci

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods and for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of prostate cancer. The invention is based upon the identification of a gene expression signature that predicts the likelihood that prostate cancer will metastasize. Provided is a method of determining whether prostate cancer in a subject will metastasize. Also provided are compositions comprising a prostate cancer-associated gene. Also provided are kits comprising a package with a prostate cancer-associated gene.

Synchronized-readout for narrowband detection of time-varying electromagnetic fields using solid state spins
U.S. Patent 10,901,062 (January 26, 2021)

Ronald L. Walsworth, David Glenn, and Dominik Bucher

Abstract: A synchronized readout (SR) technique for spectrally selective detection of oscillating magnetic fields with sub-millihertz resolution, using coherent manipulation of solid state spins.

Participant grouping for enhanced interactive experience
U.S. Patent 10,902,031 (January 26, 2021)

Gary King, Eric Mazur, and Brian Lukoff

Abstract: Representative embodiments of a method for grouping participants in an activity include the steps of: (i) defining a grouping policy; (ii) storing, in a database, participant records that include a participant identifier, a characteristic associated with the participant, and/or an identifier for a participant's handheld device; (iii) defining groupings based on the policy and characteristics of the participants relating to the policy and to the activity; and (iv) communicating the groupings to the handheld devices to establish the groups.

Compositions and methods for non-myeloablative conditioning
U.S. Patent 10,906,980 (February 2, 2021)

David T. Scadden, Rahul Palchaudhuri, Derrick J. Rossi, and Agnieszka D. Czechowicz

Abstract: Disclosed herein are non-myeloablative antibody-toxin conjugates and compositions that target cell surface markers, such as the CD34, CD45 or CD117 receptors, and related methods of their use to effectively conditioning a subject's tissues (e.g., bone marrow tissue) prior to engraftment or transplant. The compositions and methods disclosed herein may be used to condition a subject's tissues in advance of, for example, hematopoietic stem cell transplant and advantageously such compositions and methods do not cause the toxicities that are commonly associated with traditional conditioning methods.

Engineered genetic enteric sensor bacteria and uses thereof
U.S. Patent 10,907,221 (February 2, 2021)

Jonathan Kotula, Scott Jordan Kerns, Jeffrey Charles Way, Pamela A. Silver, and Lev Shaket

Abstract: The disclosure relates to genetic engineered bacteria having a genetic memory circuit, compositions thereof, formulations thereof, methods of analyses and method of treatment of conditions related to the gastrointestinal tract including the mouth and the stomach.

Automatically classifying animal behavior
U.S. Patent 10,909,691 (February 2, 2021)

Sandeep Robert Datta and Matthew J. Johnson

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to objectively identify sub-second behavioral modules in the three-dimensional (3D) video data that represents the motion of a subject. Defining behavioral modules based upon structure in the 3D video data itself--rather than using a priori definitions for what should constitute a measurable unit of action--identifies a previously-unexplored sub-second regularity that defines a timescale upon which behavior is organized, yields important information about the components and structure of behavior, offers insight into the nature of behavioral change in the subject, and enables objective discovery of subtle alterations in patterned action. The systems and methods of the invention can be applied to drug or gene therapy classification, drug or gene therapy screening, disease study including early detection of the onset of a disease, toxicology research, side-effect study, learning and memory process study, anxiety study, and analysis in consumer behavior.

Methods of making polypeptides with non-standard amino acids using genomically recoded organisms
U.S. Patent 10,910,085 (February 2, 2021)

George M. Church, Christopher J. Gregg, Marc J. Lajoie, and Daniel J. Mandell

Abstract: A method of making a polypeptide including at least one covalent bond between a pair of reactive side chains of corresponding amino acids, wherein the covalent bond is insensitive to reduction is provided including genetically modifying a genomically recoded organism to express a corresponding synthetase, tRNA or synthetase/tRNA pair for translating mRNA encoding the corresponding amino acids having the reactive side chains into the polypeptide and to express the polypeptide including the at least one pair of the reactive side chains wherein the reactive side chains are oriented near one another when the expressed polypeptide is in a folded configuration, wherein the reactive side chains react to form the covalent bond that is insensitive to reduction.

Light-emitting device comprising photonic cavity
U.S. Patent 10,910,794 (February 2, 2021)

Jinseong Heo, Minhyun Lee, Seongjun Park, Philip Kim, Hongkun Park, and Donhee Ham

Abstract: A light-emitting device includes a substrate including a photonic cavity and configured to function as a gate, an active layer including a two-dimensional material, a first conductive contact, and a second conductive contact. The wavelength range of light generated by the light-emitting device may be narrowed based on the photonic cavity being included in the substrate, and the intensity and wavelength range of the generated light may be controlled based on the substrate functioning as a gate.

Delivery of negatively charged proteins using cationic lipids
U.S. Patent 10,912,833 (February 9, 2021)

David R. Liu, David B. Thompson, and John Anthony Zuris

Abstract: Compositions, methods, strategies, kits, and systems for the delivery of negatively charged proteins, protein complexes, and fusion proteins, using cationic polymers or lipids are provided. Delivery of proteins into cells can be effected in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro. Proteins that can be delivered using the compositions, methods, strategies, kits, and systems provided herein include, without limitation, enzymes, transcription factors, genome editing proteins, Cas9 proteins, TALEs, TALENs, nucleases, binding proteins (e.g., ligands, receptors, antibodies, antibody fragments; nucleic acid binding proteins, etc.), structural proteins, and therapeutic proteins (e.g., tumor suppressor proteins, therapeutic enzymes, growth factors, growth factor receptors, transcription factors, proteases, etc.), as well as variants and fusions of such proteins.

Macrolides and methods of their preparation and use
U.S. Patent 10,913,764 (February 9, 2021)

Andrew G. Myers, Ian Bass Seiple, and Ziyang Zhang

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of preparing macrolides by the coupling of an eastern and western half, followed by macrocyclization, to provide macrolides, including both known and novel macrolides. Intermediates in the synthesis of macrolides including the eastern and western halves are also provided. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating infectious diseases and inflammatory conditions using the inventive macrolides are also provided. A general diastereoselective aldol methodology used in the synthesis of the western half is further provided.

Fluid injection
U.S. Patent 10,919,008 (February 16, 2021)

David A. Weitz, Adam R. Abate, Tony Hung, and Pascaline Mary

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for the control of fluids and, in some cases, to systems and methods for flowing a fluid into and/or out of other fluids. As examples, fluid may be injected into a droplet contained within a fluidic channel, or a fluid may be injected into a fluidic channel to create a droplet. In some embodiments, electrodes may be used to apply an electric field to one or more fluidic channels, e.g., proximate an intersection of at least two fluidic channels. For instance, a first fluid may be urged into and/or out of a second fluid, facilitated by the electric field. The electric field, in some cases, may disrupt an interface between a first fluid and at least one other fluid. Properties such as the volume, flow rate, etc. of a first fluid being urged into and/or out of a second fluid can be controlled by controlling various properties of the fluid and/or a fluidic droplet, for example curvature of the fluidic droplet, and/or controlling the applied electric field.

Evolution of proteases
U.S. Patent 10,920,208 (February 16, 2021)

David R. Liu, Bryan Dickinson, Michael S. Packer, and Ahmed Hussein Badran

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide methods for phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE) of proteases. Some aspects of this invention provide methods for evaluating and selecting protease inhibitors based on the likelihood of the emergence of resistant proteases as determined by the protease PACE methods provided herein. Some aspects of this disclosure provide strategies, methods, and reagents for protease PACE, including fusion proteins for translating a desired protease activity into a selective advantage for phage particles encoding a protease exhibiting such an activity and improved mutagenesis-promoting expression constructs. Evolved proteases that recognize target cleavage sites which differ from their canonical cleavage site are also provided herein.

De novo design of allosteric proteins
U.S. Patent 10,920,217 (February 16, 2021)

Srivatsan Raman, Noah D. Taylor, and George M. Church

Abstract: Methods and compositions for making and isolating allosteric DNA binding proteins that bind to one or more allosteric effectors to induce a conformation change in the proteins are provided.

Methods of making and using guide RNA for use with Cas9 systems
U.S. Patent 10,920,221 (February 16, 2021)

John L. Rinn and David M. Shechner

Abstract: CRISPR/Cas Systems are provided where guide RNAs include one or more selected RNA sequences for delivery to a target nucleic acid sequence.

Embedding electronic structure in controllable quantum systems
U.S. Patent 10,922,617 (February 16, 2021)

Ryan Babbush, Peter Love, and Alan Aspuru-Guzik

Abstract: Generating a computing specification to be executed by a quantum processor includes: accepting a problem specification that corresponds to a second-quantized representation of a fermionic Hamiltonian, and transforming the fermionic Hamiltonian into a first qubit Hamiltonian including a first set of qubits that encode a fermionic state specified by occupancy of spin orbitals. An occupancy of any spin orbital is encoded in a number of qubits that is logarithmic in the number of spin orbitals, and a parity for a transition between any two spin orbitals is encoded in a number of qubits that is logarithmic in the number of spin orbitals. An eigenspectrum of a second qubit Hamiltonian, including the first set of qubits and a second set of qubit, includes a low-energy subspace and a high-energy subspace, and an eigenspectrum of the first qubit Hamiltonian is approximated by a set of low-energy eigenvalues of the low-energy subspace.

Cluster analysis of participant responses for test generation or teaching
U.S. Patent 10,922,991 (February 16, 2021)

Gary King, Brian Lukoff, and Eric Mazur

Abstract: Textual responses to open-ended (i.e., free-response) items provided by participants (e.g., by means of mobile wireless devices) are automatically classified, enabling an instructor to assess the responses in a convenient, organized fashion and adjust instruction accordingly.

Multiplexed genome editing
U.S. Patent 10,925,263 (February 23, 2021)

George M. Church, Luhan Yang, and Marc Guell

Abstract: A method of modulating some or all copies of a gene in a cell is provided including introducing into a cell one or more ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequences that comprise a portion that is complementary to all or a portion of each of the one or more target nucleic acid sequences, and a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a Cas protein and maintaining the cells under conditions in which the Cas protein is expressed and the Cas protein binds and modulates the one or more target nucleic acid sequences in the cell.

Methods for generating stem cell-derived beta cells and uses thereof
U.S. Patent 10,927,350 (February 23, 2021)

Douglas A. Melton and Jeffrey R. Millman

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for generating SC-beta cells, and isolated populations of SC-beta cells for use in various applications, such as cell therapy.

Compositions and methods for identification, assessment, prevention, and treatment of T-cell exhaustion using CD39 biomarkers and modulators
U.S. Patent 10,927,410 (February 23, 2021)

William N. Haining, Arlene H. Sharpe, and Jernej Godec

Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification, of compositions and methods for the identification, assessment, prevention, and treatment of T-cell exhaustion using CD39 biomarkers and modulators.

Integrated mounting solution for solid-state spin sensors used for bulk detection and imaging
U.S. Patent 10,928,320 (February 23, 2021)

John Francis Barry, Jennifer May Schloss, Matthew James Turner, and Ronald Lee Walsworth

Abstract: Solid-state spin sensor systems and methods of manufacturing are disclosed. A mounting structure may be provided in thermal contact with a solid-state spin sensor having a plurality of color center defects such that thermal energy flows from the solid-state spin sensor to the mounting structure. A microwave application structure may be disposed on a face of the mounting structure or a face of the solid-state spin sensor for applying microwave radiation to the solid-state spin sensor.

Methods, models, systems, and apparatus for identifying target sequences for Cas enzymes or CRISPR-Cas systems for target sequences and conveying results thereof
U.S. Patent 10,930,367 (February 23, 2021)

Feng Zhang, Yinqing Li, David Arthur Scott, Joshua Asher Weinstein, and Patrick Hsu

Abstract: Disclosed are thermodynamic and multiplication methods concerning CRISPR-Cas systems, and apparatus therefor.

Driver for a circuit with a capacitive load
U.S. Patent 10,931,199 (February 23, 2021)

Simon Chaput and Gu-Yeon Wei

Abstract: A driver for a circuit with a capacitive load is configured for coupling to a voltage source which provides a DC input voltage, and is configured to generate an output voltage at an output. The driver includes a bidirectional synchronous power converter with a first switch, a second switch, and an inductive device connected to the first and/or second switch. A controller is configured to control the first switch and the second switch. The bidirectional synchronous power converter generates a switching voltage from the input voltage at a switching node and generates the output voltage having an analog voltage waveform with a peak amplitude of at least twice the input voltage. The bidirectional synchronous power converter includes a boost-buck converter configured to generate the analog voltage waveform from the input voltage by transferring increments of energy to the capacitive load in a forward-boost mode and from the load in a reverse-buck mode.

Single agent anti-PD-L1 and PD-L2 dual binding antibodies and methods of use
U.S. Patent 10,934,353 (March 2, 2021)

Gordon J. Freeman and Arlene H. Sharpe

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on the identification of novel antibodies that have binding affinity for both PD-L1 and PD-L2 and methods of using same.

Methods of detecting signatures of disease or conditions in bodily fluids
U.S. Patents 10,934,588 and 10,934,589 (March 2, 2021)

Amin I. Kassis

Abstract: Methods and compositions for diagnosing the presence of a cancer cell in an individual are provided. Methods and compositions for identifying a tumor-specific signature in an individual having cancer are also provided. Methods and compositions for diagnosing the presence of an infectious agent in an individual and/or for identifying an infectious agent-specific signature in an infected individual are provided. Methods and compositions for diagnosing the presence of a disease in an individual are also provided. Methods and compositions for identifying a disease-specific signature in an individual having the disease are also provided.

Fungal species, compositions derived therefrom, and uses thereof
U.S. Patent 10,939,685 (March 9, 2021)

David A. Sinclair and Kyle S. Landry

Abstract: Provided herein are secretory compositions/cocktails derived from a novel, extremophilic fungal species cultured, isolated, characterized and sequenced herein. Said novel, extremophilic fungal species may be exploited to produce a secretory compositions/cocktails which comprise a unique mixture of thermo-tolerant, stable enzymes capable of digesting cellular and genetic material in its surroundings under extreme temperatures. Such secretory compositions/cocktails may be useful as cleaning and sterilization solutions against biofilm, urine, yeast, bacterial, or viral contamination. Other uses include, but are not limited to, urea removal, fertilizer wastewaters, wastewater reclamation for life support systems in space, pH control, source of ammonia and carbon dioxide, starch digestion, biofuel production, as pharmaceuticals, and medical treatments such as wounds, skin disorders, or nail disorders.

Compositions and methods for promoting the generation of endocrine cells
U.S. Patent 10,941,384 (March 9, 2021)

Douglas A. Melton, Sinisa Hrvatin, and Shuibing C. Chen

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the generation of insulin positive .beta. cells, for example by exposing Pdx+ pancreatic progenitor cells to one or more compounds, and compositions and kits comprising isolated populations of insulin positive cells.

Assays and other reactions involving droplets
U.S. Patent 10,941,430 (March 9, 2021)

David A. Weitz, Jeremy Agresti, Liang-Yin Chu, Jin-Woong Kim, Amy Rowat, Morten Sommer, Gautam Dantas, and George M. Church

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to droplets and/or emulsions, such as multiple emulsions. In some cases, the droplets and/or emulsions may be used in assays, and in certain embodiments, the droplet or emulsion may be hardened to form a gel. In some aspects, a heterogeneous assay can be performed using a gel. For example, a droplet may be hardened to form a gel, where the droplet contains a cell, DNA, or other suitable species. The gel may be exposed to a reactant, and the reactant may interact with the gel and/or with the cell, DNA, etc., in some fashion. For example, the reactant may diffuse through the gel, or the hardened particle may liquefy to form a liquid state, allowing the reactant to interact with the cell. As a specific example, DNA contained within a gel particle may be subjected to PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification, e.g., by using PCR primers able to bind to the gel as it forms. As the DNA is amplified using PCR, some of the DNA will be bound to the gel via the PCR primer. After the PCR reaction, unbound DNA may be removed from the gel, e.g., via diffusion or washing. Thus, a gel particle having bound DNA may be formed in one embodiment of the invention.

ARRDC1-mediated microvesicles (ARMMS) and uses thereof
U.S. Patent 10,945,954 (March 16, 2021)

Quan Lu, Joseph F. Nabhan, and Stanley N. Cohen

Abstract: The invention provide isolated arrestin domain-containing protein 1 (ARRDC1)-mediated microvesicles (ARMMs). Methods for generating and for isolating ARMMs are also provided herein. ARMMs can be used to deliver agents, for example, nucleic acids (e.g., siRNAs, microRNAs, lincRNAs), proteins (e.g., transcription factors, chromatin modulators, kinases, phosphorylases, or recombinases), or small molecules to target cells in vitro and in vivo, and methods for such ARMM-mediated delivery are provided herein. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods using ARMMs are also described herein.

Systems and methods for automated nozzle design and 3D printing
U.S. Patent 10,946,588 (March 16, 2021)

Jennifer A. Lewis, Mark Andrew Skylar-Scott, Jochen Mueller, and David Kolesky

Abstract: A present disclosure relates to a system for automatic design and manufacturing of 3D printing units and 3D products. The system is configured to obtain specification of a target structure corresponding to a 3D product; automatically determine a design and a printing path of a 3D printing unit based on the specification of the target structure, wherein the 3D printing unit is a micronozzle unit configured to print the target structure of the 3D product; automatically determine a manufacturing procedure to print the 3D printing unit based on the specification of the target structure; and instruct a 3D printer to print the 3D printing unit according to the manufacturing procedure and the printing path of the 3D printing unit.

Method of stabilizing a bioactive peptide against protease hydrolysis
U.S. Patent 10,947,290 (March 16, 2021)

E. James Petersson and Alan Saghatelian

Abstract: The invention includes a thioamide-modified peptide, wherein the thioamide modification increases the in vivo half-life of the peptide. The invention further includes methods of treating or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a thioamide-modified peptide of the invention.

Adenosine nucleobase editors and uses thereof
U.S. Patent 10,947,530 (March 16, 2021)

David R. Liu and Nicole Gaudelli

Abstract: The disclosure provides adenosine deaminases that are capable of deaminating adenosine in DNA. The disclosure also provides fusion proteins comprising a Cas9 (e.g., a Cas9 nickase) domain and adenosine deaminases that deaminate adenosine in DNA. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins further comprise a nuclear localization sequence (NLS), and/or an inhibitor of base repair, such as, a nuclease dead inosine specific nuclease (dISN).

Spinning apparatus for measurement of characteristics relating to molecules
U.S. Patent 10,948,401 (March 16, 2021)

Darren Yang, Andrew Ward, Wesley Philip Wong, and Kenneth Anders Halvorsen

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a characteristic of a sample using a centrifuge and optical components is disclosed. The centrifuge may be a standard benchtop centrifuge. The optical components may be sized and dimensioned to fit, along with the sample, inside the centrifuge.

Methods and apparatus for executing data-dependent threads in parallel
U.S. Patent 10,949,200 (March 16, 2021)

Gu-Yeon Wei, David M. Brooks, Simone Campanoni, Kevin M. Brownell, and Svilen Kanev

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for parallel processing are provided. A multicore processor is described. The multicore processor may include a distributed memory unit with memory nodes coupled to the processor's cores. The cores may be configured to execute parallel threads, and at least one of the threads may be data-dependent on at least one of the other threads. The distributed memory unit may be configured to proactively send shared memory data from a thread that produces the shared memory data to one or more of the threads.

Macrocyclic compound and uses thereof
U.S. Patent 10,954,249 (March 23, 2021)

Yoshito Kishi, Kazunobu Kira, and Ken Ito

Abstract: The present invention provides novel Compound (1) having tumor vascular remodeling effect and/or anti-CAF (Cancer Associated Fibroblasts) activity, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable and medical uses thereof.

Integrated human organ-on-chip microphysiological systems
U.S. Patent 10,954,482 (March 23, 2021)

Donald E. Ingber, Anthony Bahinski, Robert Cunningham, Josue A. Goss, Geraldine A. Hamilton, Christopher David Hinojosa, Daniel Levner, and Kevin Kit Parker

Abstract: The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.

Nuclease profiling system
U.S. Patent 10,954,548 (March 24, 2021)

David R. Liu and Vikram Pattanayak

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide strategies, methods, and reagents for determining nuclease target site preferences and specificity of site-specific endonucleases. Some methods provided herein utilize a novel "one-cut" strategy for screening a library of concatemers comprising repeat units of candidate nuclease target sites and constant insert regions to identify library members that can been cut by a nuclease of interest via sequencing of an intact target site adjacent and identical to a cut target site. Some aspects of this disclosure provide strategies, methods, and reagents for selecting a site-specific endonuclease based on determining its target site preferences and specificity. Methods and reagents for determining target site preference and specificity are also provided.

Multiplexed genome editing
U.S. Patent 10,959,413 (March 30, 2021)

George M. Church, Luhan Yang, and Marc Guell

Abstract: A method of modulating some or all copies of a gene in a cell is provided including introducing into a cell one or more ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequences that comprise a portion that is complementary to all or a portion of each of the one or more target nucleic acid sequences, and a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a Cas protein and maintaining the cells under conditions in which the Cas protein is expressed and the Cas protein binds and modulates the one or more target nucleic acid sequences in the cell.

Manipulation of fluids, fluid components and reactions in microfluidic systems
U.S. Patent 10,960,397 (March 30, 2021)

Seth Fraden, Hakim Boukellal, Yanwei Jia, Seila Selimovic, Amy Rowat, Jeremy Agresti, and David A. Weitz

Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply.

Embigin inhibition for promotion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell expansion
U.S. Patent 10,961,308 (March 30, 2021)

David T. Scadden, Lev Silberstein, and Peter Kharchenko

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for enhancing hematopoietic reconstitution of a subject. One method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of Embigin to a recipient subject and can also optionally include administering hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells to the subject. Another method involves administering an inhibitor of Embigin to a donor prior to harvest of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Pharmaceutical compositions relating to the methods are also described.

Methods of detecting prenatal or pregnancy-related diseases or conditions
U.S. Patent 10,961,578 (March 30, 2021)

Amin I. Kassis

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using phagocytic cells alone or in combination with non-phagocytic cells in the diagnosis, prognosis, or monitoring of prenatal or pregnancy-related diseases or conditions. The invention also provides methods of using phagocytic cells alone or in combination with non-phagocytic cells to identify markers of prenatal or pregnancy-related diseases or conditions.

Quantum processor problem compilation
U.S. Patent 10,963,793 (March 30, 2021)

Alan Aspuru-Guzik, Ryan Babbush, and Bryan O'Gorman

Abstract: Solution of a problem of determining values of a set of N problem variables x.sub.i makes use of a quantum processor that has a limited number of hardware elements for representing quantum bits and/or limitations on coupling between quantum bits. A method includes accepting a specification of the problem that includes a specification of a set of terms where each term corresponds to a product of at least three variables and is associated with a non-zero coefficient. A set of ancilla variables, each ancilla variable corresponding to a pair of problem variables, is determined by applying an optimization procedure to the specification of the set of the terms. The accepted problem specification is then transformed according to the determined ancilla variables to form a modified problem specification for use in configuring the quantum processor and solution of problem.