Collaboratative Mapping and Analysis Tools for Biological Spatio-Temporal Databases

The purpose of this project is to deliver fast and collaborative image processing to the biology laboratory bench. This will be achieved in the context of spatial data mapping, reconstruction, analysis and database query by developing GRID-enabled tools based on the existing tools developed as part of the Mouse Atlas Program at the MRC Human Genetics Unit. The Mouse Atlas Program at the MRC Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh has developed a spatio-temporal framework for mapping spatially organised data in the developing mouse embryo. The Mouse Atlas (EMAP) which includes anatomy ontology of the developing embryo and a gene-expression database for spatially mapped data (EMAGE) are part of this program. The program has also delivered a large body of software and user interfaces for individual use for data mapping, analysis, database query and 3D visualisation. The primary goal of this project is to extend these software tools to allow secure and efficient collaborative work at all levels using the GRID. The new developed tools will facilitate collaborative development of the underlying spatio-temporal framework. The spatial mapping of the data into the standard frame work or other images involves non-linear warp transformations which are generally compute intensive. The GRID will be used to provide high-performance computing and secure communication for mapping of the data. The reconstruction tools developed in the Mouse Atlas Project include automatic alignment, sectioning distortions removal, automatic matching of 2D sections onto a 3D template and user interfaces to manipulate grey-scale transformations and image properties.