An Article in the June issue of Nature Methods uses simulated data sets to evaluate programs used for metagenomics data analysis. The author of a News & Views argues that although the results indicate existing programs do work, new algorithms are needed as well as model metagenomics systems for use as test beds.
For geneticists working on model organisms, the job is all about linking genotype and phenotype. But nowadays, these researchers are facing a historical reversal in terms of experimental limitations. As more microarrays and other genomic tools become available—and hopefully increasingly affordable—the genotyping part of the problem, which traditionally has been most time-consuming, is not that complicated anymore. The real bottleneck is now phenotyping.
In an Editorial in Nature Methods June issue, we argue that this realization should be a call to arms for engineers.
While we think there is a crucial need to mobilize engineers to help develop assays and instrumentation for high-throughput phenotyping of model organisms, this task is not without obstacles. The Editorial starts exploring ways to make this work. What do geneticists and engineers among you think?