Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) scientists have developed a mobile genome sequence analyzer, a new iPhone app called iGenomics. By pairing an iPhone with a handheld DNA sequencer, users can create a mobile genetics laboratory. The iGenomics app runs entirely on the iOS device, reducing the need for laptops or large equipment in the field.
"As the sequencers continued to get even smaller, there were no technologies available to let you study that DNA on a mobile device,” Michael Schatz, senior author on the paper published today in Gigascience. “Most of the studying of DNA: aligning, analyzing, is done on large server clusters or high-end laptops."”
The iPhone app was developed to complement the tiny DNA sequencing devices being made by Oxford Nanopore. Users can AirDrop sequencing data to each other, enabling DNA analysis in the most remote locations—even those without internet access.
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According to Schatz, the iGenomics algorithm can quickly map DNA sequences of viral pathogens, such as a flu virus or Zika virus, and identify mutations important for diagnosis and treatment. They also provide an online tutorial for analyzing other viral genomes, such as from a SARS-CoV-2 patient.
iGenomics is available open source and for free on Apple's App Store.