VizX Labs Releases GeneSifter.Net™ Version 2004.1

Posted on January 25, 2004 By Corinne Jones News

Seattle, WA – January 19, 2004 – VizX Labs today announced the release of Version 2004.1 of GeneSifter.Net. The new version includes features specific to Affymetrix users such as the Robust Multi-array Average (RMA) probe-level analysis method, a unique Gene Ontology report using z-score statistics to ‘zero-in’ on particular families of genes, MIAME-compliant protocols, and statistical analysis techniques. Building upon its integrated clustering package, chromosome and pathway functions, as well as other enhancements announced in the prior quarter, GeneSifter.Net Version 2004.1 continues integrating information of biological relevance with industry standard “R” based microarray analytics. Available online now, the update was delivered ahead of schedule to GeneSifter.Net users.

“Our development staff was very satisfied to have gone ‘four-for-four’ last year providing GeneSifter users on-time, free, quarterly updates,” explained VizX Director of Science, Dr. Eric Olson, co-inventor of GeneSifter. “This release is the first of four this year that will add even more enhancements to help scientists better understand the biology underlying their microarray data.”

VizX Labs’ commitment to quarterly free updates, made possible by GeneSifter.Net’s Web-based architecture, frees researchers from time-consuming software administration tasks to enable them to focus on their “Science, not Software™.” The latest update includes:

• Ontology Report:
     • Biological processes and functions most influenced by the experimental conditions can be ranked by a z-score report.
     • Biological information is integrated into the Ontology Report using the One-Click Gene Summary™.
     • Enhanced ontology tree structure/hierarchy visualization mechanisms are available.
• Affymetrix Platform Integration:
     • Advanced methods for .cel files make file uploads more convenient.
     • The Robust Multi-array Average (RMA) method allows for probe level analysis.
     • Researchers now have “One-Click Gene Summary” access to the NetAffx™ database.
• MIAME Compliance: MIAME extraction and labeling protocols are now supported.
• Clustering: The silhouette method to validate data clusters has been added.
• Analysis: Benjamini-Hochberg algorithm for estimating false discovery rates (FDR) has been added.
• One-Click Gene Summary:
     • Users can access PubGene™ to identify putative relationships between genes based on scientific literature.
     • Ontology tree structures/hierarchies can be visualized.

Additional information regarding the update is available on the GeneSifter.Net website at http://www.genesifter.net/product-info_releases.php#history. A full set of specifications on the GeneSifter.Net product, with these latest features highlighted, may be viewed at: http://www.genesifter.net/product-info_specs.php.

About GeneSifter.Net
GeneSifter.Net helps researchers manipulate, analyze, and make sense of the mountains of genomic data now being made available. Combining power and convenience, GeneSifter.Net is the only Web-based solution for microarray data analysis. This approach means all GeneSifter.Net users always have the latest version along with instant access to the most current gene data. GeneSifter.Net is compatible with any computer running a standard browser and works with virtually any data platform (i.e., spotted cDNA and oligo arrays, as well as Affymetrix GeneChip®). Scientists spend less time with IT technical support and more time on their research. Downloadable graphics, including screenshots of GeneSifter.Net, may be viewed online at http://www.vizxlabs.com/downloadable_images.html. Free GeneSifter.Net trial accounts are available by logging on to: www.genesifter.net.

About VizX Labs
VizX Labs operates GeneSifter.Net, the unique Web-based system providing microarray data analysis and knowledge management for life scientists. Its success combining expertise in biology and computing have gained it a worldwide user base of scientists throughout the United States and in 32 other countries. GeneSifter.Net subscriptions include support services from the science staff at VizX Labs and access to Complete Solution™ services via its partnership with Genome Explorations™. The company also provides custom installations, development, and consulting on a contract basis. To view the VizX Labs newsroom, please visit http://www.vizxlabs.com/newsroom.html.

by Corinne Jones