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CDC researchers have developed an improved dynamometer device and method for measuring maximum hand grip force or grip-strength. Human test subjects were used in conducting experiments to evaluate the handle and to assess the measurement method. In contrast to the currently used "Jamar handle" grip strength dynamometer devices, the cylindrical handle proved to be able to determine the overall grip strength for a subject, as well as show the grip force distribution around the circumference of the handle.

CDC researchers have improved upon a prior, HHS patented mass spectrometry-based Endopep-MS assay that is able to rapidly detect and differentiate all seven botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) types A to G. This current improvement comprises the addition of two optimized substrate peptides that increases the assay's sensitivity,relative to prior substrates, for botulinum neurotoxin type-E (BoNT/E) by greater than 100 fold.

CDC researchers have developed a novel method that generates globally amplified DNA copies retaining parental methylation information; making accurate DNA-archiving for methylation studies much more feasible and cost-effective than undertaking such an endeavor with alternate technologies. This unique approach eliminates a significant bottleneck in the collection of methylation information in the genome(s) of an individual organism, hosts and pathogens.

This CDC developed dust detector tube is designed to provide inexpensive, short-term, time weighted average dust exposure data feedback directly to device users. This invention operates upon a conventional gas detector tube platform and can be used with any low volume pump that can electronically measure pump back pressure. The device consists of three sections: the first defines the size of the dust and removes moisture, the second uses a filter whose pressure differential corresponds with cumulative dust loading, and a final section employs a pressure transducer.

Micro-Screen is a CDC developed software program designed to capture images and archive and display a compiled image(s) from a portion of a microscope slide in real time. This program allows for the re-creation of larger images that are constructed from individual microscopic fields captured in up to five focal planes and two magnifications. This program may be especially useful for the creation of data archives for diagnostic and teaching purposes and for tracking histological changes during disease progression.

CDC researchers have isolated select Chlamydophila pneumoniae peptide epitopes for development of vaccines and diagnostic assays. Currently, C. pneumoniae infection of humans has been linked to a wide variety of acute and chronic diseases, such as asthma, endocarditis, atherosclerotic vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sarcoidosis, reactive arthritis and multiple sclerosis. There is presently no available peptide vaccine for the pathogen and reliable and accurate diagnostic methods are limited.

CDC scientists have developed synthetic/recombinant polypeptides that can be used for the creation of inexpensive, high-quality cysticercosis diagnostic assays. Taenia solium is a species of pathogenic tapeworm. Intestinal infection with this parasite is referred to as taeniasis and it is acquired by ingestion of T. solium cysticerci found in raw and undercooked pork, or food contaminated with human or porcine excrement. Many infections are asymptomatic, but infection may be characterized by insomnia, anorexia, abdominal pain and weight loss.

CDC researchers have developed a method of simultaneously detecting and distinguishing multiple antigens within a biological sample. Epidemiological and vaccine studies require species serotype identification. Current methods of serotyping are labor intensive and can easily give subjective, errant results. This technology utilizes serotype specific antibodies bound to fluorescent beads, allowing for simultaneous single tube capture and detection of multiple antigens in one rapid, high-throughput flow cytometry assay.

CDC researchers have developed a reverse transcription/semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-snPCR) assay for diagnosis of enterovirus infections within clinical specimens. Clinical laboratories currently identify enteroviruses by virus isolation and subsequent virus neutralization tests, or serological assays. In addition to being time consuming, these approaches are labor, cost and material intensive.

CDC scientists have developed multiple antigenic peptide immunoassays for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). HIV can be subdivided into two major types, HIV-1 and HIV-2, both of which are believed to have originated as result of zoonotic transmission. Humans are increasingly exposed to many different SIVs by wild primates. For example, human exposure to SIVs frequently occurs as a consequence of the bush meat hunting and butchering trade in Africa.