University of Washington and OpenHelix Announce Comprehensive Training Programs for SeattleSNPs and Genome Variation Server
Seattle, WA (PRWeb) March 26, 2007 — Dr. Debbie Nickerson of the University of Washington, Department of Genome Sciences, has contracted with http:/openhelix.com [OpenHelix to provide comprehensive training and outreach programs for its free web based genomics resources, SeattleSNPs Bioinformatic SNP tool and Genome Variation Server Bioinformatic SNP discovery tool.
SeattleSNPs is a comprehensive variation discovery resource for candidate genes underlying inflammatory responses in humans and identifies, genotypes, and models the associations. Users can visualize these high-density SNPs and access the underlying data in many forms–both text and graphical representations.
The Genome Variation Server is a comprehensive database that provides quick access to all data found in the dbSNP database and includes specialized data from HapMap and SeattleSNPs. The database includes a suite of analysis tools such as linkage disequilibrium plots, tag SNPs and more. In addition you can upload your own data and use the GVS analysis and visualization tools.
“We are pleased to team with OpenHelix in implementing, our new outreach and training programs,” said Dr. Debbie Nickerson, SeattleSNPs Director. This program includes free online training tools with tutorials, exercises, and a complete PowerPoint slide set with handouts that can be used by professors, teachers, and trainers at no cost. OpenHelix also has created free Quick Reference Cards on the resources.
Users can view the tutorials and download the free materials at OpenHelix Sponsored Bioinformatics Tutorials.
“SeattleSNPs and GVS are powerful and popular resources for high quality variation data,” said OpenHelix founder and President Dr. Mary Mangan. “We are proud to be able to contribute to the effort to increase users’ access and understanding of these tools.”
The post-genomic era has yielded a multitude of free public-access resources for the dissemination and analysis of genomic data. However, the public providers of these tools are mainly research institutions and therefore often lack outreach and training programs. As a result, there is a documented widespread lack of awareness and underutilization of the data and tools throughout the biomedical community.
OpenHelix bridges this gap between bioinformatics tools and under-trained users through easily accessible online training
The University of Washington’s SeattleSNPs is one of five Programs for Genomic Applications (PGAs) and is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/pga/).
About OpenHelix
OpenHelix, LLC, 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.
The combined expertise of two highly accomplished bioinformaticists, Dr. Mary Mangan and Dr. Warren (Trey) Lathe, combined with Scott Lathe has uniquely positioned OpenHelix to offer services previously unavailable to the research market. Headquartered in Washington State, OpenHelix also has offices in San Francisco and Boston. Further information can be found on OpenHelix Bioinformatics elearning portal or by calling 1-888-861-5051.
