New software tool improves the assembly of microbial DNA sequences
In short: Researchers have developed PANDAseq, a new tool designed to assemble Illumina paired-end reads used to study microbial communities. By correcting mismatches and uncalled bases during the assembly process, the software was found to significantly increase the number of successfully assembled sequences from control libraries.
The study used benchmarks involving simulated data with error masks, a pure source template, and a pooled genomic DNA template. The researchers found that PANDAseq assembled reads more rapidly and with fewer errors than existing methods. However, the tool's error correction may be less certain when dealing with reads containing many low-quality bases.
Why it matters: This new tool can significantly boost the amount of usable genetic data recovered from microbial samples.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Source: Research: Masella et al. (2012). PANDAseq: paired-end assembler for illumina sequences. BMC Bioinformatics. · cc-by
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/nature-research-new-software-tool-improves-the-assembly-of-microbial-dna-seq.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Nature · Latest · A–Z · All topics
