Genetics Computer Updates MacVector Sequence Analysis Software

Genetics Computer Group (Madison, WI), an Oxford Molecular company focusing on genome informatics software, has launched MacVector 6.5.3, an update to its popular sequence analysis software for Macintosh computers. Recently awarded the 1999 "Best User Interface" by Biotechnology Software & Internet Journal, MacVector 6.5.3 ensures researchers full compatibility with the National Center for Biotechnology Information's (NCBI) new BLAST 2.0 servers, which will soon replace the current BLAST 1.4 servers.

BLAST, which stands for Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, is a program for comparing gene and protein sequences against others in public databases. All registered users of MacVector 6.5 will receive this latest upgrade to version 6.5.3 free of charge. "We understand that BLAST searches are an integral and critical operation in determining a new sequence's function within an organism," said John Devereux, president of Genetics Computer. "To this end, this release ensures that users will continue to be able to access the NCBI-based database search functions when the BLAST 1.4 servers are no longer in operation."

MacVector 6.5.3 also includes several other new features, including the ability to retrieve from NCBI's "Entrez" (a browser that helps researchers access information from across NCBI's integrated databases). MacVector 6.5.3 also offers improved readability of text on circular feature maps and faster color printing of multiple sequence alignments. MacVector 6.5.3 is MacOS 9 compatible and Y2K compliant.

For more information: Kevin Kendall, Engineer, Oxford Molecular Group, The Medawar Centre, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GA, UK. Tel (from U.S.): +44-1865-784-600. Fax (from U.S.): +44-1865-784-601. Email: kkendall@oxmol.com.

Edited by Angelo DePalma