Golden Helix Integrates Free Genome Browser Into Flagship Product

BOZEMAN, Mont. - March 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Today Golden Helix released Version 8 of its genomic analysis software, SNP & Variation Suite (SVS), designed to empower researchers conducting complex genetic research. SVS is used by hundreds of scientists, doctors, and bioinformaticians around the world to unravel the genetic cause of disease and other phenotypes.

Version 8 introduces the integration of the company's separate genome browser as the new visualization engine for SNP & Variation Suite. The Golden Helix GenomeBrowse® tool was released in September 2012 for viewing sequence pile-up and coverage data. Since then, over 2,500 people have downloaded the free software, and feedback regarding the interface has been effusive.

Replacing the old browser in SVS with GenomeBrowse was a major undertaking as over 40% of the SVS code base had to be updated. Yet, the results speak for themselves.

Stated Golden Helix CEO, Andreas Scherer: "Since the release of GenomeBrowse, our customers have been clamoring for an upgrade to the visualization experience in SNP & Variation Suite. With the launch of Version 8, we can now offer the benefits of both products in one package."

For customers who use both SVS and GenomeBrowse, integrating the two products offers a streamlined workflow that eliminates a clunky copy-and-paste process. Customers who just use SVS can look forward to a fluid interface with easy-to-use controls such as zooming via the mouse scroll wheel as well as powerful options for changing the view like the ability to set the y-axis.

Other features in Version 8 include:
· Improved data handling through the creation of a new file format for annotation tracks.
· Haplotype Trend Regression to associate phenotypes with haplotype frequencies of individuals.
· Fst by marker to measure the effect of a particular SNP on the amount of genetic divergence between two or more subpopulations.
· New tools for DNA sequencing analysis including one to classify variants by inheritance pattern and one to filter based on VCF quality metrics.
· Several enhancements to the user experience such as a redesigned menu structure and a robust filter and annotate dialog based on multiple user-defined annotation tracks at once.

As always, updating to Version 8 is free for customers.

About SNP & Variation Suite
SNP & Variation Suite is the most powerful and integrated collection of high-performance analytic tools for managing, analyzing, and visualizing large-scale, complex genomic data. It’s fast, easy-to-use, and runs on conventional desktop computers enabling researchers to interact with their data as never before. Both statistically and visually, researchers can explore the relationships among vast amounts of clinical patient data, environmental factors, and genetic variants to understand the cause of disease and other inherited traits — all without writing a single line of code or buying expensive hardware. Applications include candidate gene analysis, genome-wide association studies, copy number analysis, cytogenetic research, and next-generation sequencing studies.

About Golden Helix
Golden Helix has been delivering industry leading bioinformatics solutions for the advancement of life science research and translational medicine for over 15 years. Our innovative technologies and analytic services empower scientists and healthcare professionals at all levels to derive meaning from the rapidly increasing volumes of genomic data produced from microarrays and next-generation sequencing. With our solutions, hundreds of the world’s top pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic research organizations are able to harness the full potential of genomics to identify the cause of disease, improve the efficacy and safety of drugs, develop genomic diagnostics, and advance the quest for personalized medicine. Golden Helix products and services have been cited in over 800 peer-reviewed publications.