May 1, 2005 (Vol. 25, No. 9)
Rating:
Strong Points: Excellent Database
Weak Points: Microsoft commercial
Summary:
You’ve seen DNA sequence databases for hundreds of species and protein sequence databases for probably an equal number. Interestingly, you’ve probably rarely, if ever, seen databases on phenotypes arising from these genes. This is an excellent reminder of how far molecular biology knowledge has progressed. Even 20 years ago, our knowledge of biology was far more focused on phenotype than on genotype. Phenotypes ARE important, however, and it is good to see databases like PhenomicDB providing online access links to phenotypes AND genotypes as information from the latter overwhelms that of the former. Access to database information (Covering nematodes, fruit flies, humans, mouse, yeast, zebrafish, etc.) is easy via a simple search engine interface. I tried quickly of the scrolling text on the opening page telling me that the system was powered by 64 bit technology Microsoft SQL server. Big Whoop. I hope Microsoft gave them a bundle of money for the advertisment.