DNA sequences on the go, with an app born in a Singapore lab

SINGAPORE: A mobile app that analyses DNA sequencing files has been developed by researchers from the A*STARs Bioinformatics Institute (BII).

DNAApp - available for free on the Android and iOS platforms - will enable science professionals and amateur enthusiasts to engage in scientific analysis while on their phones or tablets. Since its launch in April, it has been downloaded by users in more than 11 countries, said a statement released by A*STARs BII on Thursday (May 29).

The app can analyse ab1 DNA sequencing files, which are files in the Applied Biosystems Genetic Analysis data file format,which could previously only be processed by a computer.

The app, which took the team three months to develop, allows users to analyse visualisations of DNA sequencing files and carries out commonly used functions of DNA sequencing analysis. It can also complement existing web-based bioinformatics tools for deeper analysis.

As the use of mobile devices and their applications becomes increasingly widespread, we hope to continue to be at the forefront of technology creating new bioinformatics tools for the advancement of scientific knowledge and making science accessible, said Dr Samuel K E Gan, molecular cell biologist and team leader of Antibody & Product Development (APD) Laboratory.

The laboratory said it plans to continue developing mobile applications that aid analysis in molecular and microbiology.

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DNA sequences on the go, with an app born in a Singapore lab