The Reinvention of MaizeGDB

MaizeGDB, the USDA-ARS genetics and genomics database, is a highly curated, community-oriented informatics service to researchers focused on the crop plant and model organism Zea mays.  MaizeGDB facilitates maize research by curating, integrating, and maintaining a database that serves as the central repository for the maize community. In 2009, the first publicly released reference assembly became available.  At this time MaizeGDB became sequence driven while still maintaining traditional maize genetics datasets.  The research focus of the maize community has continued to evolve, making it necessary to continually redefine the paradigm for data access and data analysis tools.  This computer demo will highlight the latest reinvention of MaizeGDB to meet maize researcher’s needs and facilitate their goals. Our goal at MaizeGDB is to create a redesign that expands the overall functionality of MaizeGDB while simultaneously creating a clean, modern interface with enhanced user interaction and improved response times. The redesign involved creating a new look and feel as well as reorganizing existing data and incorporating new data, data types, and analysis tools (including, e.g., gene models, diversity data, and functional genomics datasets) into the MaizeGDB resource. A key component to the redesign has been community involvement by offering their perspectives via email, website feedback, and personal interactions.   Here we provide an overview of the new website, including new features, data types, and services.

 To try out the new website now, visit us at http://beta.maizegdb.org.