Lenovo ISGs GOAST Solution Powering genome sequencing with smarter IT – ETHealthWorld

Genomics, the study of the entirety of an organisms genes called the genome, a much newer field compared to the well-known study of genetics, has progressed in the last couple of decades owing to technical advancements in DNA sequencing and computational biology. Genomics as a field is not only advancing healthcare but is also driving sustainable innovation across a whole variety of sectors, be it computing, agriculture, forensics, climate change, and more. Introducing IDCs new whitepaper commissioned by Lenovo & Intel, called Leveraging High-Performance Compute Infrastructure to Address the Genomic Data Challenge in Life Sciences,Sinisa Nikolic, Director - HPC & AI, Lenovo ISG AP, engaged in an informative discussion with Dr. Harsh Sheth, Assistant Professor and Head of Advanced Genomic Technologies Division, FRIGEs Institute of Human Genetics.The revolution of the genomics industry began in the 19th century, way back when genome sequencing required scientists to hold up an x-ray photograph and manually read 400-500 DNA letters a day from a base of 3.3 billion bases in the human genome. It is no surprise that it took 13 years to sequence one complete human genome, and at the cost of approximately $3 Billion. Speaking about how genome sequencing has evolved over the last few decades, Dr. Sheth explains that today genome sequencing of an individual is possible in 2-3 days and that in a span of 40 years, the cost of genome sequencing has reduced from $3 Billion to less than $1000. Elaborating further on the advancement of genome sequencing, Dr. Sheth said, For the last three of four decades, it has been a dream of a scientist or a doctor to provide results in a short time frame to the patients. The advancements in the last four decades have been so huge that genetic test results can be provided in a few days. Opining on the technological barriers impacting the genomics revolution, Sinisa said, Organizations have limited time and limited resources to develop some of these genomics technologies [...] what they want is a blend of pre-packaged technologies, and Lenovo was and is best positioned to work with these organizations given its long and storied history in HPC and very strong focus on genomics.

Elaborating on the challenges faced by genomics researchers, Sinisa recalls findings from the IDC report regarding infrastructure challenges across the industry. He explains that 28 per cent of Asian respondents said their existing infrastructure is not scalable enough, 20 per cent said their current solution is complex, and 20 per cent said too much customization is required. With a consistent focus to address some of these industry-wide challenges, Sinisa explained how Lenovo collaborated with Intel using Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK) open-source code an HPC architecture poised to revolutionize genome sequencing. We optimized and tuned that for our hardware infrastructure, front of mind was to use off-the-shelf components, keeping the costs for our clients to minimum [] we call it GOAST, he adds. Sinisa further explains how with the Genomics Optimization and Scalability Tool (GOAST), Lenovo had reduced the processing time of a whole human genome from 60 - 150 hours to 24 48 minutes. He further elaborated how GOAST can increase lab productivity, improve time to data and potentially save lives through all the discoveries.

Lenovo ISG partnered with Delhi Universitys Center of Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), looking to improve and breed more nutritious, drought and disease-tolerant, high-yield plants to feed the world. Lenovo deployed its GOAST solution at CGMCP to accelerate time to insights - 48 hours to just 6 hours.

Dr. Sheth adds, The COVID-19 pandemic is a wonderful example of where genomics came to the rescue. Never in the history of mankind has a vaccine been developed within a year. He further explains how technological advancements in genomics helped create the genetic architecture of the COVID-19 virus even before it was declared a pandemic, which only helped rapidly accelerate the development of vaccines and begin Phase 1 trials early into the pandemic, which was spreading at a massive pace. He adds that genomics is also being used to address multi-drug resistance in various diseases, and oncology has changed how cancer treatment is delivered through personalized treatment. Lenovo has further collaborated with the CSIR Institute of Genomics, and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, in a unique partnership that uses GOAST to advance cancer research by digging deeper into the genetic roots of the disease.

In conclusion, Sinisa draws light on precision medicine as The Next Big Thing that will drive the genomics revolution on the back of technological advancements. He elaborated how genome sequencing and genome analytics tools (such as GOAST) are helping the world understand biology and genetics better and would allow faster and more accurate care for patients. In explaining how GOAST technology will evolve, he states that Lenovo is working closely with software development teams to build many technology efficiencies which will ultimately impact humanity positively.

(Brand Connect Initiative)

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Lenovo ISGs GOAST Solution Powering genome sequencing with smarter IT - ETHealthWorld