Dotmatics Platform 2020.1* is now available and contains major enhancements to Browser, Studies, Studies Notebook and Reaction Workflows.

Browser: New View Wizard, New Table and Chart Views for Chemistry Data 

A project to update the look and feel of Browser has been underway over the last two releases. The aim is to both modernize the user interface and also to harmonize across the suite to provide a consistent experience for users of Browser, the ELN and other web applications. The new Browser framework, menus and forms updates were rolled out in version 5.5. In 2020.1 there are two major new UI updates 

• A new look-and-feel for the view wizard which makes it much easier to select the fields of interest and then select the view, application or file the data should be sent to. 
• A new view for any projects that include small molecules and associated data. This features a highly interactive table and linked chart (scatter, bar, line or pie chart), to allow users to quickly visualize all the data associated with a hit list and make selections for follow up. The chart and table controls are the same as those used in the recently released Blueprint product providing a consistent user experience when reviewing data in Browser and then moving the hitlist into Blueprint for more detailed analysis.

Browser: Sequence Based Search 

The 2020.1 release includes the capability to perform a sequence alignment search in Browser. The search uses a BLAST-like algorithm that has been available in Vortex for some time and works with both nucleic acid and protein sequences. More than simply performing pattern-matching on residues, the search algorithm takes into account the physicochemical similarity of residue side chains (using a BLOSUM matrix) at a given sequence position when finding and ranking search results. 

Additional metadata, such as alignment length and score are provided. These metrics can also be used to condition the search. Search results can be exported to be used in other applications. 

Studies: Screening Ultra Enhancements 

Screening Ultra is Dotmatics next generation solution for assay data management designed to support the latest assay science, huge data volumes and advances in lab and data automation. It was first released in 5.5 with support for HTS and dose response assays, and was then expanded in a 5.5 mid-cycle release to add kinetic and multiplex assay types. 

In 2020.1 there are significant enhancements applicable to all assay types including 

• Expanded options in the data input wizard including the ability to define replicates, define plate maps on the fly and the ability to read sample, concentration and well sample properties directly from raw data files. 
• Improved data input extending the types of kinetic raw data files that can be loaded.  
• Improved interaction with in-well plots for kinetic assays. 
• More plate statistics and increased flexibility in how they are applied. 
• Enhanced plotting in the analysis and trellis tabs. New views to show multiple results including derived results 
• Greater flexibility and control over setting default displays when defining an assay protocol