High-Performance and Complex Data Visualization in Genomics

Due to recent advances in sequencing technologies and corresponding decreases in sequencing costs, biological researchers are awash in data.  This surge of genome datasets, combined with the vast collection of already available data, is incredibly exciting for researchers. However, the scale of the available information and complex relational nature pose significant challenges, particularly when performing comparisons of many genomes and datasets. The Comparative Genomics platform CoGe is working towards developing novel visualizations that will allow for researchers to draw meaningful conclusions from such massive genomic datasets. With a current database of nearly 25,000 genomes for 17,000 species, a huge collection of experimental data, and underlying infrastructure for computational pipeline integration and execution, CoGe is uniquely positioned to begin investigating these new visualizations. Over the last year, CoGe has implemented two new data visualization tools: a high-performance dot-plot viewer and a three-dimensional three-genome synteny browser, both discussed here. These systems are important steps for increasing researchers’ ability to visualize and interact with high-dimensionality data, both through modern web-based technologies and newly-available virtual reality environments.