FAIRFAX, Va., April 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- FedCentric Technologies, LLC has completed a proof of concept with the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) applying High-Performance Data Analytics (HPDA) to improve cancer research. HPDA is a rapidly emerging technology that combines high-performance computing with advanced data analytics.
FedCentric and FNLCR explored the application of graph database analytics as a proof of concept for scalable interpretation of massive cancer genomics datasets. The pilot used genetic variant and population data from several open source public databases. A model was developed using graph database technology to query variant data and assess performance. All the data sets were parsed into a graph database with 180 million nodes and nearly 12 billion edges. In phase I of the project, the graph was used for retrieval of all relevant information for single variants. In phase II, FedCentric explored complex queries to identify clusters and patterns within individuals based on their differences with respect to a reference human genome. The proof of concept showed that for single, variant-based annotation searches, the speed and performance of the graph model was similar to a well-architected relational database. However, the graph model also tested complex queries for identifying variant patterns that FNLCR was unable to run using the relational architecture.
In recognition of the significant impact of this work on cancer research, FedCentric was awarded the 1st place award for best poster at the 2016 Bio-IT World Conference & Expo in Boston, MA. "Since its debut in 2002, the Annual Bio-IT World Conference & Expo has established itself as a premier event showcasing the myriad of IT and informatics applications and enabling technologies that drive biomedical research, drug discovery & development, and clinical and healthcare initiatives. The Bio-IT World Conference & Expo continues to be a vibrant event that unites 3,000+ life sciences, pharmaceutical, clinical, healthcare, and IT professionals from more than 30 countries." Members of this prestigious community selected FedCentric's work in this field for their top prize.
FedCentric is currently applying HPDA to genomics data from a number of active research areas, including pediatric cancer and the Zika pandemic, that will enable researchers to better understand and combat these complex health issues.
"These projects and awards are a validation of our combined strengths in high performance computing, HPDA, and developing highly talented, multidisciplinary teams to solve major biomedical problems. I am very impressed with the HPDA our researchers have been able to implement and the results they have yielded. Not only were our teams able to build a successful proof of concept, they were able to apply this and other cutting-edge technologies to increasingly complex problems. I look forward to even greater results as we now turn our attention to pediatric cancer and Zika at our College Park site", said Gerry Kolosvary, CEO of FedCentric Technologies.
FedCentric Technologies, LLC is responsible for the content of this announcement.
Contact:
Michael S. Atkins, MBA, PhD
Director, BioScience Division
4511 Knox Road, Suite 300
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 263-0030 ext. 124
michael.atkins@fedcentric.com
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SOURCE FedCentric Technologies, LLC