RNA sequencing is used to compare the differences in genes to discover unusual circumstances, such as the presence of disease. Researchers at the John Hopkins School of Public Health are using the cloud to speed up the process of their studies.

When a disease is present, certain genes may turn on or off. RNA sequencers can generate billions of genetic combinations each day. Analyzing the data can be overwhelming for researchers.

Software for the cloud has made it possible for RNA sequences to be analyzed more quickly by providing a faster and less expensive way to process genetic experiments. It also saves labs from having to maintain their own computer facilities.

Ben Langmead, a research associate in Biiostatistics, said "cloud computing makes economic sense because cloud vendors are very efficient at running and maintaining huge collections of computers. Researchers struggling to keep pace with their sequencing instruments can use the cloud to scale up their analyses while avoiding the headaches associated with building and running their own computer center."

The team at John Hopkins has developed their own software, called Myrna, to make the most out of the cloud in their experiments.ADNFCR-2553-ID-19937202-ADNFCR