BioDash: a Semantic Web dashboard for drug development

Pac Symp Biocomput. 2006:176-87.

Abstract

A researcher's current scientific understanding is assembled from multiple sources of facts and knowledge, along with beliefs and hypotheses of their interpretations. A comprehensive and structured aggregation of all the relevant components is to-date not possible using standard database technologies, nor is it obvious how to include beliefs, such as models and hypotheses into such a bundle. When such information is required as the basis for important decision-making (e.g., in drug discovery), scientists often resort to using commercial presentation applications. This is sub-optimal for the effective use of knowledge, and alternatives that support the inclusion of meaning are urgently needed. This paper describes a prototype Semantic Web application, BioDash, which attempts to aggregate heterogeneous yet related facts and statements (using an RDF model) into an intuitive, visually descriptive and interactive display.

MeSH terms

  • Computational Biology
  • Computer Simulation
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Drug Design*
  • Internet*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Semantics
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects