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MicroBinfie Podcast, 90 Public health bioinformatics on the cloud with WDL + Terra.bio

Released on September 29, 2022

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Public Health Bioinformatics on the Cloud with WDL + Terra.bio

Presented by: Microbial Bioinformatics

Overview

This presentation focuses on leveraging cloud technology for public health bioinformatics, specifically through the use of Workflow Description Language (WDL) and Terra.bio. These tools enable researchers to effectively manage and analyze large datasets associated with microbial genomes, which are crucial for public health initiatives.

Key Components

Workflow Description Language (WDL)

  • Purpose: WDL is a human-readable language designed to express computational workflows.
  • Benefits:
    • Simplifies complex computational processes.
    • Enhances reproducibility and portability of workflows.

Terra.bio

  • Platform: Terra.bio is a secure, scalable, and collaborative environment for conducting biomedical research in the cloud.
  • Features:
    • Data Management: Facilitates storage, sharing, and management of large genomic datasets.
    • Collaboration Tools: Supports interdisciplinary teams by providing shared access to data and computational resources.
    • Integrations: Offers integration with popular bioinformatics tools and databases.

Applications in Public Health

Utilizing WDL and Terra.bio in public health bioinformatics provides several advantages:

  • Scalability: The cloud-based approach allows for handling increasing volumes of genomic data without the need for local infrastructure.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the overall cost of data processing and storage by utilizing pay-as-you-go cloud services.
  • Real-Time Analysis: Facilitates timely analysis and response to public health threats, such as outbreaks of infectious diseases.
  • Data Sharing: Enhances global health collaborations by enabling easy sharing of data across borders and institutions.

Conclusion

The integration of WDL and Terra.bio in microbial bioinformatics promotes a more efficient, scalable, and collaborative approach to public health research. By adopting these cloud-based tools, researchers are better equipped to respond to global health challenges.

For more information and resources, please visit Terra.bio's official website.

Episode 90 transcript