VizX Labs Releases GeneSifter.Net™ Version 2003.4 Update
Clustering capabilities, other new features enhance Web-based gene expression analysis system
Seattle, WA - October 1, 2003 - VizX Labs today announced the release of Version 2003.4 of GeneSifter.Net. The new version includes an integrated clustering package, integrated chromosome and pathway functions, and other enhancements. GeneSifter.Net Version 2003.4 builds on the theme of integrating information of biological relevance with industry standard "R" based microarray analytics. Available online now, the update was delivered complete and ahead of schedule to GeneSifter.Net users.
"Continuous improvement through dynamic collaboration is a unique property of GeneSifter.Net," explained VizX CTO Bob Cottingham, "since its Web-based design makes each version immediately available to all users. Many researchers had expressed their desire to integrate clustering analysis with GeneSifter.Net's unique integration of biological information made instantly accessible via the web. We're pleased to address this in version 2003.4."
Besides inaugurating built-in clustering, version 2003.4 extends the GeneSifter model with other new features that enable scientists to 'sift' through the genes brought to their attention by their microarray data, the product's hallmark. Examples include metabolic pathways-based filtering functions, ontology report z-score guides, and chromosome search techniques particularly useful for cancer researchers. (Other enhancements are described below.) "Our product has a much different focus than traditional 'analysis' packages," explained VizX Director of Science Eric Olson, Ph.D., "We take the biology researcher's view that the work doesn't end with a statistics algorithm. Rather, that is where it begins."
Today's announcement continues VizX Labs' unique program of quarterly updates of the Web-based GeneSifter.Net system to keep researchers ahead of the curve on the latest developments in statistical analysis, data management, and genomic data. VizX Labs' commitment to automatic free updates, made possible by GeneSifter.Net's Web-based architecture, frees researchers from time-consuming software administration tasks to enable them to spend more time concentrating on their "Science, not Software™."
Version 2003.4 Feature Summary
" Clustering: This version inaugurates built-in clustering capabilities in GeneSifter.Net The release supplies partitioning clustering using the PAM (Partitioning Around Medoids) technique and hierarchical sample clustering from any gene list. (Export tools that facilitate working with specialized third-party clustering packages such as CLUSTER, GeneSpring, and EPCLUST remain functional).
" Integrated Chromosome and Pathway Functions: Building on its central theme of integration of biologically relevant information, GeneSifter.Net now adds two new mechanisms to search, filter, and group genes: chromosome and metabolic pathway (KEGG curation). These operate similar to the existing features that use Gene Ontology biological process, molecular function, and cellular component.
" Ontology Report Z-Scores: The automated ontology overview now sports a statistical metric assessing the degree to which each ontology is over- or underrepresented in a gene list.
" Enhanced QuickLoad and Batch Upload: Data uploads are more flexible and faster, including using zipped files and Affymetrix probe set IDs, to make pivot files and RMA output more directly loadable.
" Color Choices: Color and other display, output, and printing enhancements such as direct jpg output are now available for charts and other graphics.
" Miscellaneous: User interface enhancements make operations smoother, more flexible, and more intuitive.
Additional information regarding the update is available on the GeneSifter.Net website at
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:
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 completely 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 on the Internet. GeneSifter.Net is compatible with any computer hardware running Windows, Linux, Macintosh or other standard browsers 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:
www.vizxlabs.com/downloadable_images.html. Free GeneSifter.Net trial
accounts are available by logging onto: 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 31 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: www.vizxlabs.com/newsroom.
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VizX Labs, LLC
Tom Ranken
Chief Executive Officer
206.336.5567
jtr@vizxlabs.com
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VizX Labs, LLC
Elon Gasper
Senior Vice President
206.363.5564
eg@vizxlabs.com
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