:: 29, May 2014 :: POCKET SCIENCE: NEW MOBILE APPLICATION ENABLES DNA ANALYSIS ON THE GO

POCKET SCIENCE: NEW MOBILE APPLICATION ENABLES DNA ANALYSIS ON THE GO

Researchers from A*STARs Bioinformatics Institute (BII) have developed the first mobile application for Android phones that analyses ab1[1] DNA sequencing files, which enables science professionals and amateur enthusiasts to engage in scientific analysis on the go, from the convenience of their mobile phones.

DNA sequencing is a commonly used technique which has advanced many areas of biological research, from the understanding of genetic information to the causes and treatment of human diseases. However, analysis of DNA sequencing files used to be carried out only on computers. This frustrated Dr Samuel KE Gan, molecular cell biologist and team leader of Antibody & Product Development (APD) Laboratory, when he wanted to work when travelling. He presented the challenge to his computer science research officer Mr Nguyen Phi Vu, to find a better way to read data on the move. What resulted was the DNAApp, developed in just three months, which allowed him to read and analyse DNA sequencing files on his mobile phone.

Dr Gans team published the app freely on Google Play store and Apple app store for scientists worldwide so that they too can improve their efficiency and productivity. Since its launch in early April, DNAApp has been downloaded more than 300 times by users from more than 11 different countries.

DNAApp enables the visualisation and analysis of DNA sequencing files simply with the use of any iOS or Android mobile device. The application lets users assess the quality of DNA sequences and carries out commonly used functions of DNA sequencing analysis, such as reverse complementation, translation, and the ability to search for specific sequences. The latter function is important for researchers who want to locate specific segments in their sequences to identify regions of biological relevance.

Also available for the iOS platform, this native application[2] is faster and more efficient, tapping on the convenience of mobile devices to raise productivity in the lab. The DNAApp can work without internet access, and is designed to adapt to the smaller sizes and sensitivity of touch-screen devices. DNAApp has features that aid analysis such as the ability to search, swipe or jump to a specific section of a sequence and the incorporation of fast and end-scrolling icons. These allow the application to complement existing web-based bioinformatics tools for deeper analysis.

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:: 29, May 2014 :: POCKET SCIENCE: NEW MOBILE APPLICATION ENABLES DNA ANALYSIS ON THE GO