« Introducing our Omics Blog Series | Main | General Resources about Genomics, Proteomics and Nanotechnology (Omics Series, 2) »

July 10, 2006

Background Information about Omics (Omics Series, 1)

To start our series off, we'd like to some definitions and background information about Omics for people who are new to the topic. The resources listed below also include a number of glossaries and terminology tools that may be useful for researchers.

Glossaries

This first resource (from ColorBasePair) is a nice, relatively simple, one-page overview of just the primary concepts -- what are genomics, proteomics, and nanotechnology. A useful starting place.

ColorBasePair: What is Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics Definitions
http://www.colorbasepair.com/what_is_bioinformatics.html

Here are two glossaries from reputable sources, both moderately sized -- bigger than a loaf of bread and smaller than a building, to describe it colloquially.

Genomics & Proteomics Magazine: Glossary:
http://www.genpromag.com/Glossary.html

National Cancer Institute: Clinical Proteomic Technologies for Cancer: Glossary:
http://proteomics.cancer.gov/resource_room/glossary.asp

This next glossary is a motherlode of technical jargon and definitions, with over 5,000+ definitions compiled & edited by Mary Chitty, the head librarian for Cambridge Healthtech Institute. Truly a masterful and comprehensive resource, frequently updated, so always current and at the cutting edge. The place to go when you aren't sure about a new term.

Genomic Glossaries (BioPharmaceutical Glossary, Taxonomies and guide to 21st century therapeutics, technologies and trends):
http://www.genomicglossaries.com/
INCLUDES:
* Molecular Diagnostics & Molecular Medicine glossary:
http://www.genomicglossaries.com/CONTENT/clinical_genomics_email.asp
* Biology: Basic genetics & genomics: Basic biopharmaceutical genetics & genomics:
http://www.genomicglossaries.com/CONTENT/Basic_Genetic_Glossaries.asp


What is Genomics?

The following resources describe what genomics is for a variety of audiences, from children and the general public (NOVA and the DoE) to resources for a more advanced audience.

Canada: BioPortal: BioBasics: Genomics: http://biobasics.gc.ca/english/View.asp?x=738

Comparative Genomics Tutorial (Phillipe Gautier): http://rsat.scmbb.ulb.ac.be/rsat/Comparative_Genomics/tutorial/

United States: Department of Energy (DoE): Joint Genomics Institute: Education: http://www.jgi.doe.gov/education/index.html
Includes: An Introduction to Genomics; How Sequencing is Done; Historical Timeline

NOVA: Sequence for Yourself: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/genome/sequencer.html


What is Proteomics?

This group of resources about what is proteomics tends to focus on resources appropriate for persons and high school and older.

Annenberg/CPB: Rediscovering Biology: Unit 2, Proteins and Proteomics: What is Proteomics?:
http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/biology/textbook/proteo/proteo_1.html

Children's Hospital Boston: Introduction to Proteomics: http://www.childrenshospital.org/cfapps/research/data_admin/Site602/mainpageS602P0.html
INCLUDES:
Guide to Sequencing and Identifying Proteins:
http://www.childrenshospital.org/cfapps/research/data_admin/Site602/mainpageS602P0.html
The Basics: http://www.childrenshospital.org/cfapps/research/data_admin/Site602/mainpageS602P1.html

United States: National Cancer Institute: Explore Proteomic Technologies and Cancer:
http://proteomics.cancer.gov/resource_room/animation.asp


What is Nanotechnology?

NanoWord: Introduction to Nanotechnology / by Steve Lenhert, Quanteq, LLC:
http://www.nanoword.net/pages/intro.htm
INCLUDES: A Brief History of Nanotechnology

MITRE: Introduction to Nanotechnology and Nanocomputers (Tutorial):
http://www.mitre.org/tech/nanotech/intronano.html

Nanotechnology Now: Nanotechnology Introduction:
http://www.nanotech-now.com/introduction.htm

Harper, Tim. What is Nanotechnology? (Institute of Physics)
2003 Nanotechnology 14: http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0957-4484/14/1/001

Institute of Nanotechnology (UK): Glossary: http://www.nano.org.uk/nano/glossary.htm


Want More?

Want to know more or explore on your own? Here are some web searches to find materials similar to those above.

Google (for web pages only): (genomics proteomics (nanotech OR ~nanotechnology)) ("what is" OR definitions OR glossary OR dictionary)

a9 (finds books and more, in addition to web pages): (genomics proteomics nanotechnology) (definitions OR glossary OR dictionary)

Posted by pfa at July 10, 2006 01:58 PM

Comments

Here are some more resources that provide overviews of omics topics for the general public.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory: DNA From the Beginning: http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/

DOE Genomes: Genetics 101: The Science Behind the Human Genome Project: Basic Genetics, Genome Draft Sequence, and Post-Genome Science: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/project/info.shtml

Genetic Alliance: Understanding Genetics: A Guide for Patients and Health Professionals:
http://www.geneticalliance.org/ws_display.asp?filter=resources_manual_download

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI): Blazing a Genetic Trail: http://www.hhmi.org/genetictrail/

National Public Radio: The DNA Files: http://www.dnafiles.org/

Posted by: pfa at July 28, 2006 01:07 PM

Login to leave a comment. Create a new account.