[Taxacom] DNA Bank Network Database Goes Online

[Gemeinholzer, Birgit]

DNA Bank Network Database Goes Online
Web portal of biological DNA collections launches its searchable database system at www.dnabank-network.org<http://www.dnabank-network.org>

The DNA Bank Network links DNA banks of major biological research collections in Germany:
        Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem
        German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig
        Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Bonn
        Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, Munich

The network's web portal enables scientists to query and order DNA samples of organisms collected from natural habitats. It is thereby possible to obtain well determined DNA and tissue material to conduct, extend or complement investigations in phylogenetics, population and conservation genetics as well as in biogeography.

The DNA Bank Network ensures long-term DNA availability by storage under optimal conditions at -80°C after project completion or data publication. Full documentation of each sample accessible online is provided, including provenance of the material, place of voucher deposit, DNA extraction techniques and links to existing molecular data. Additionally high resolution digital images of specimens (voucher) are generated, available online via the web portal.

The network aims at bridging the gap between natural history repositories, DNA collections and molecular sequence databases. It so supports good scientific practice as the deposition of DNA samples facilitates the verification of published results.

The establishment of this network is financially supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).