Mobile apps for scientists were discussed, including types like dedicated apps, web apps, and where to find them. Apps are available for tasks like molecular design, interacting with databases, and calculations. Features of tablets versus phones were compared. Future developments may include more powerful platforms, easier data entry, and cross-platform apps. An example problem of tracking calf embryo biopsy samples was presented, and how a mobile app could provide an integrated solution by simplifying data entry and syncing information across devices.

1. Mobile Apps for Scientists Bioconference Live October 2011 ©Axiope

2. Overview Setting the scene Apps by discipline and function A peak at what’s coming Q&A ©Axiope

3. What is a mobile app? ©Axiope “ A software application running on a tablet or smartphone”

4. What different kinds of apps are there? ©Axiope Dedicated mobile apps iOS (Apple) Android Windows (coming with Windows 8) Web apps on mobile devices

5. Where to find mobile apps ©Axiope iTunes AppStore Android Market and alternatives Google Specialized websites http://homepage.mac.com/swain/Macinchem/iPhone/mobile_apps.html http://www.scimobileapps.com/

6. How much do they cost? ©Axiope 0 - $20

7. Key variables ©Axiope Reading Input Consumption Production Extended activity Focussed activity Education Research

8. Tablets versus phones ©Axiope Production/Input Consumption/Reading It’s the screensize, stupid!

9. Overview Setting the scene Apps by discipline and function A peak at what’s coming Q&A ©Axiope

10. Types of apps Molecular design/manipulation Interaction with databases Calculations Tools ©Axiope

11. Molecular design/manipulation JS Draw Javascript chemical structure drawing tool iMolBuilder (3D) View, edit and draw molecules iMolDraw (2D) ©Axiope

12. Molecular design/manipulation Mobile molecular datasheet View, edit and organise chemical structures ©Axiope

13. Interaction with databases Chemspider mobile Mobile search client for the ChemSpider online database MObile reagents Access to 6 million molecules and 11 million product variations from more than 50 laboratory chemical suppliers ©Axiope

14. Interaction with databases iProtein Survey TIP database by Sequence, Structure/Model, Site, Protein Family, and by co-complexed ligand ©Axiope

15. Calculations ChemCal Chemistry concentration (molarity, moles per liter) and dilutions calculator Molweight Calculation of the molecular weight and other key properties of peptides and oligonucleotides ©Axiope

16. Tools Primer Jot A molecular biology application for keeping track of oligos Florescence Spectraviewer Plot and compare spectra for fluorophores from Invitrogen ©Axiope

17. Tools eCAT electronic notebook/sample management ©Axiope

18. Overview Setting the scene Apps by discipline and function A peak at what’s coming Q&A ©Axiope

19. What’s coming next? ©Axiope Platforms with more capabilities Easier data entry Higher resolution cameras Apps supporting complex actions Cross-platform apps More apps!

20. What does this mean? ©Axiope PC/Mac activity  mobile devices Consumption  production Mobile devices performing ‘hybrid’ functions Mobile, app-centric orientation

21. Example problem Calf embryo biopsy sample workflow Take a sample from a cow, in a barn; no wifi Place sample in container, e.g. test tube Later, put the container in a freezer Track sample, and its aliquots, and document things that happen to them ©Axiope

22. Today’s ‘solution’ Unstructured paper notes about sample Reenter sample details in spreadsheet back at the lab Manually enter freezer location details Separately put notes about sample in a paper lab book Keep updating notebook and spreadsheet Later, place the container in a freezer Track sample, and its aliquots, and document things that happen to them ©Axiope

23. Result Time consuming and messy! ©Axiope

24. Tomorrow’s solution: data collection and barcoding app Enter sample data in configurable form on any mobile device Using keyboard, stylus or voice Barcoding support Works online and offline The form syncs with eCAT Back in the lab Enter freezer location information and sample activity in the original form Sample data links to experiment record in notebook Track samples, and document things that happen to them, on the form, through mobile devices, pc or mac iOS and Android Tablets and phones ©Axiope

25. Result: Integrated solution Takes advantage of new mobile platform capabilities Let’s you work with the devices you want Automatically syncs between devices Starts with existing workflow Saves time by Simplifying data entry at each step Integrating unconnected actions into a single process ©Axiope

26. A solution with broad application Vetmed, but also . . . Horticulture/plant science Forestry Geology Space Clinical (home sample collection), and . . . Freezers with no wifi! ©Axiope

27. Overview Setting the scene Apps by discipline and function A peak at what’s coming Q&A ©Axiope

28. ©Axiope www.axiope.com [email_address] http://twitter.com/rory_macneil