Free Tutorials on Model Organism Genomic Databases Released by OpenHelix
Free OpenHelix tutorial suites offer researchers and scientists an effective and efficient tool to quickly use resources to mine the genomic data of model organisms.
Seattle WA (PRWEB) February 4, 2009
OpenHelix (http://www. openhelix. com) today announced the free availability of tutorial suites on model organism databases and resources used extensively in research. The first tutorial suites available are GBrowse, Rat Genome Database (RGD), Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI), and WormBase. To be added in the coming weeks are Zebrafish Information Network (ZFIN), FlyBase and Saccharomyces (Yeast) Genome Database (SGD).
The tutorial suites, funded in part by a grant from the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health, include a self run, narrated tutorial introducing the resource and how to use its feature and functions. Each suite also includes PowerPoint slides, handouts, and exercises that can be used for reference or for training others.
One of the first tutorials available is on GBrowse, developed by the Generic Model Organism Database (GMOD) project, a popular tool used by researchers to develop genome browsers for model organisms, species of interest, and particular topics. By learning how to use this "generic" genome browser, you can leverage that knowledge to use dozens of resources devoted to a wide range of research areas.
"The OpenHelix GBrowse user tutorial is very well done and will be an excellent resource for the many research communities that use GBrowse to visualize genomic data," said Dave Clements of the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center who runs the GMOD help desk.
Model organisms, such as yeast, mouse, rat, flies, and many others, have long been used by researchers to expand our understanding of biology and to assess the effectiveness and safety of therapies before going to human trial. Many of the genomes of these organisms have been completely sequenced, giving the scientific community even greater insight into the organisms and their relation to human biology. The genome data is now available and searchable on publicly available online databases and resources.
You can view the Model Organism tutorials (http://www. openhelix. com/model_organisms. shtml) at www. openhelix. com/model_organisms. shtml (http://www. openhelix. com/model_organisms. shtml). OpenHelix provides over 60 other tutorial suites on a number of genomic databases and resources through an individual, group, or institutional subscription. Further information can be found at www. openhelix. com.
About OpenHelix
OpenHelix, LLC (http://www. openhelix. com), (www. openhelix. com) provides the genomics knowledge you need when you need it. OpenHelix provides online self-run tutorials and on-site training for institutions and companies on the most powerful and popular free, web based, publicly accessible bioinformatics resources. In addition, OpenHelix is contracted by resource providers to provide comprehensive, long-term training and outreach programs.
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