Gene technology comes to Apple
If you’re a science junkie and a Mac user, you’ve watched enviously as your friends and colleagues used biotechnology software on their PCs. Now you don’t have to look from afar anymore, as companies like GeneGo are bringing gene technology and bio applications to the Mac (and to Linux users as well).
I must admit to being in a little over my head when writing about biotechnology. Biology was never my strong subject in school, and the extent of my knowledge on human genes is pretty much encompassed by knowing that we have them and that they determine everything from disease to personality. As for how they work? I leave that to the experts.
If, however; you aren’t like me and are fascinated by the human genome or need to know everything there is to know about them for your research, then these breakthroughs are just what you need. GeneGo has basically enabled several of its existing applications so that Mac users can use them as well: MetaCore, MetaLink, MetaRodent and MapEditor.
MetaCore handles data for gene expressions and pathways. It includes interactive maps for viewing the data, complete with user controlled content filters. MetaLink adds user generated overlays of data to the MetaCore data maps. MetaEditor takes the map editing to the next level. Users can add bioinformatics to the maps generated in MetaCore, even going a far as turning networks into map views for pathway analysis and making metabolic maps. MetaRodent does exactly what it sounds like: adds stored data from animal research to your maps.
Why so many applications? Each one handles reams of highly sensitive information geared toward a very specific part of gene research. They each have to handle vast arrays of data flawlessly. What makes them ideal is how they work together to bring all aspects of a research project into focus.
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