IU, IBM unite for computer research

IU and IBM are working together to enhance computer research capabilities in the field of biomedical research. The Centralized Life Sciences Data System is the new technology that biomedical researchers are using to seek out the origins and effects of diseases. \nConstruction of the new database started last summer in Indianapolis when IBM and IU collaborated to find a solution to the difficult task of tying together the tremendous amount of information available on genes and proteins due to the human genome project and related endeavors. \n"The basic idea is that we are looking at exponents of tens of thousands of genes at once, and it is difficult to navigate through the files," said Howard Edenberg, director of the Center for Medical Genomics at the IU School of Medicine. \nThe new system that has been in operation for the past few months has integrated these multiple files together into a more accurate and time efficient format. \n"The IBM database lets us download all the information in a way that lets us ask a question to acquire information from different databases," Edenberg said. "Now we can ask more complicated questions." \nThe key component for navigating the files is DiscoveryLink data integration technology which "is helping researchers at the IU School of Medicine issue complex queries against a diverse set of data sources," according to a press release. \nThe system eliminates the task of multi-searching for the researcher by accessing various databases with only one query, a process not formerly possible. As a result, DiscoveryLink can return the results of complex searches quickly and efficiently.\nJohn's Hopkins University and IU are currently the only colleges selected by IBM to utilize and make innovations on The Centralized Life Sciences Data System. \n"The two universities will collaborate with IBM on life sciences research projects of mutual interest," according to an IBM press release. "In addition, they are eligible for a range of benefits to support their research, including early access to next-generation IBM technologies, post-doctoral and research associate opportunities, software through the IBM Scholars university product portal and participation in the competition for IBM's university award programs." \nAccessibility to the database may be granted to any researcher through IU by signing up and receiving appropriate admission.\nThe system is now in the beginning stages of its capabilities and its technology is being used mainly for medical research but, "ultimately their (researchers) work may lead to improved healthcare and new ways of preventing and treating human disease," said Carol Kovac, general manager of IBM Life Science Solutions.