BIOLOGY

There are two kinds of biologists, the computer literate and the illiterate. But today, when the study of genes have opened up unknown vistas in biological science, and the only recourse for biologists is to use supercomputers for accurate and fast data analysis. But using a supercomputer requires specific skills which many don’t possess. So, the Pune, India-based Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) has come to the rescue of such "techno-phobic" biologists by developing a web-based interface, which can calculate genome-based problems and send the results by mail. The CDAC site can be accessed from any part of India by using even a dial-up connection. Christened BRAF (Bioinformatics Resources and Applications Facility), the system is an interface between biologists and the super computing facility of CDAC. ‘‘We have developed it in such a way that it masks the intricacies of parallel computing procedures needed to run supercomputers,’’ explains Rajendra Joshi, cordinator of the bio-informatics group of CDAC. Scientists have to choose from different tools and options in drop-down lists in the web page and submit inputs for their study. Typically, input data consists of information on complex chemical sequences on genes or proteins found in living beings. ‘‘Such data has to be interpreted to understand the functioning of genes and proteins. This is where high end computing comes in,’’ adds Joshi. Once the data is put into BRAF, the system takes over. The actual computing happens in PARAM Padma, India’s most powerful supercomputer, which is housed in CDAC’s Bangalore unit. After processing, the researcher has an option to get the results over mail, or check it in the site itself. Complex processes may take days to solve. BRAF also has tools like, GIPSY, AMBER and CHARMM - which are extremely complex programmes needed to carry out simulations as well as molecular dynamics studies of bio-molecules. The CDAC team developed an interface of these two softwares in an extremely simplified way. Presently, more than 20 top institutions, including IITs and CSIR laboratories, are using GIPSY. ‘‘But the site can also be used by college students for their research. All one needs to do is to register with us,’’ says Joshi. In fact, many industrial houses and educational institutes from here as well as abroad have shown interest and are in the process of signing MoUs with CDAC.