Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Πληροφορική στην ΙατρικήΠληροφορική
Supervisors info:
Dr. Zoe Cournia, Researcher - Assistant Professor Level, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA)
Dr. Stavros Perantonis, Research Director, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications, National Center of Scientific Research “Demokritos”
Dr. Emma Anastasiadou, Primary Investigator - Lecturer Level, Department of Genetics, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA)
Original Title:
Development of real-time gene database for an Android application
Translated title:
Development of real-time gene database for an Android application
Summary:
Genomic profiling is increasingly incorporated into medical research and the clinical care of patients. It is also widely used in the search for biomarkers and diagnostics, and recently gene databases have been made publicly available for research purposes. At the same time, the technology of smartphones has given rise to a massive change in our lives. In this thesis, we present the development of the Geneus Android application, which provides the users with a real-time database of genes as well as a communication tool through a chat box, using the Firebase technology of Google.
The Firebase Real-time Database is a cloud-hosted database, where data is stored as Javascript Object Notation (JSON) and synchronized in real-time to every connected user. All users share one Real-time Database instance and automatically receive updates with the newest data. Firebase apps remain responsive even when offline, as the Firebase Real-time Database Software Development Kit (SDK) stores the data on disk. Once connectivity is re-established, the client user receives any missed changes, by synchronizing with the current server state.
Given the massive, rapidly changing biological information, which we experience daily, Geneus's innovation lies in using a real-time database in order for users to receive instant updates with the newest data, with no need for downloading a new version of the app. Geneus is developed as a general Android mobile app framework that could be further connected with any other patient database entries (e.g., daily blood sugar data), and it is expected to be utilized by patients, doctors, as well as field experts.
Providing real-time access to biological databases from a smartphone is foreseen to enhance their usability and access as we move towards new technological advances such as targeted next-generation DNA sequencing reactions using mobile phones, and achieving new milestones for telemedicine technologies.
Main subject category:
Science
Keywords:
android development, firebase, messenger, genes database, authentication, mobile app, real-time database, cloud
