The NIGMS has recently launched a cloud-based set of learning modules called NIGMS Sandbox. These modules are designed to teach basic and advanced concepts in biomedical data science. The modules currently run on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) but will eventually run on Amazon Web Service (AWS) and Microsoft Azure as well. The modules currently available include:
- Fundamentals of Bioinformatics – Dartmouth College
- DNA Methylation Sequencing Analysis with WGBS – University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Transcriptome Assembly Refinement and Applications – MDI Biological Laboratory
- RNAseq Differential Expression Analysis – University of Maine
- Proteome Quantification – University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- ATAC-Seq and Single Cell ATAC-Seq Analysis – University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Consensus Pathway Analysis in the Cloud – University of Nevada Reno
- Integrating Multi-Omics Datasets – University of North Dakota
- Metagenomics Analysis of Biofilm-Microbiome – University of South Dakota
- Introduction to Data Science for Biology – San Francisco State University
- Analysis of Biomedical Data for Biomarker Discovery – University of Rhode Island
- Biomedical Imaging Analysis using AI/ML approaches – University of Arkansas
If you are interested in using these modules, you will need to set up a GCP account with an associated billing account (usually a credit card). The modules only cost a few dollars a piece to run so the cost is minimal. If you have never used GCP before, you can request free Google Cloud credits ($300) and NIH periodically offers credits for INBRE states. For future RI-INBRE applications, you may also request funding to use these modules in your INBRE proposals.
If you need any help accessing the modules or have any questions, please contact MIC Director Chris Hemme (hemmecl@uri.edu).