SAB NewsChallenges to Widespread Bioinformatics AdoptionPosted 11/15/2004 Linking the life sciences with computer and information sciences, bioinformatics incorporates elements from mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering, biology, and the behavioral science. By utilizing a wide array of information technologies, bioinformatics enables researchers to make diverse and complex biological data more accessible and understandable. However, despite its promise as an indispensable tool in today’s laboratory, many scientists have yet to fully embrace bioinformatics. When asked to rank common challenges to its widespread adoption, almost one-third of the 1,000 researchers polled by The Science Advisory Board stated having different identifiers for the same item as a roadblock to regular usage. An additional 27% of scientists stated that another barrier to the technology’s acceptance is the existence of uncurated databases. Furthermore, 21% and 20% of the scientists surveyed listed repetitions and other database contaminants as well as incorrect entries, respectively as major impediments. “Biomedical researchers who regularly use bioinformatics to collect, store, distribute and analyze data are at an advantage compared to their colleagues when characterizing and modeling biological processes,” observes Tamara Zemlo, Ph.D., MPH, Director of Scientific & Medical Communications, The Science Advisory Board. Familiarity with existing bioinformatics resources allows scientists to more easily sort through multiple identifiers, avoid confusing databases and compensate for other database irregularities. “Practicing such discernment is really only possible through repeated usage because as one becomes more skilled at data input, the quality of data output can be greatly enhanced,” explains Zemlo. |
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