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Scientists explore human genes
Breakthrough research with the help of Microsoft
REDMOND, Wash. -- Breakthrough research with the ability to predict and prevent adverse drug responses within prescription medicine, and provide greater insight into the cause of neurodegenerative illnesses such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, are just two of six research projects Microsoft Research today announced it will support through its Computational Challenges of Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) program.
The supported projects were selected from 40 proposals submitted from 39 academic institutions worldwide. Microsoft Research's goal with funding computational challenges associated with GWAS research is to aid researchers in the correlation of genetic patterns with patients' responses to drugs, diseases, aging or the expression of genetic disorders. The ultimate goal is to enable lifesaving research through the use of technology.
"The Microsoft Research GWAS program provides crucial funding at the interface between information management and quality healthcare," said Michael Kane, an assistant professor of Computer Technology at Purdue University and one of the researchers selected to receive support under the GWAS program. "Patient-specific genotyping to assure prescription drug safety and drug effectiveness is a major step toward the emergence and adoption of personalized medicine, and this support is key to facilitating that vision. Microsoft Corp. has recognized the important role information technology will play in the future of healthcare. Ultimately, this is about technology that helps to save lives."
As part of the program, more than $850,000 was shared among six research institutions.
"When it comes to performing genetic analysis, researchers are often hampered by the data itself, whether it's inconsistencies in format, the inability to visualize it, or sheer volume," said Kristin Tolle, program manager for biomedical computing on the External Research & Programs (ER&P) team at Microsoft Research. "Through this program, Microsoft Research is encouraging the development of computer-science solutions to improve data access, standardization, visualization and tools to help scientists study the human genome.
"Of all the research areas Microsoft collaborates with, none may have as much real impact on global economies and the lives of ordinary people as healthcare," Tolle said.
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