Magna Labs

Why Regression Testing is Essential for Bioinformatics Software In bioinformatics, where biology meets data science, the reliability of software tools is crucial to ensuring accurate and reproducible results. With pipelines that handle complex datasets like genomic sequences and protein structures, even small software updates can unintentionally break existing functionalities. This is where regression testing comes in. ?? What is regression testing? It’s a method to ensure that when new features or updates are made to a software tool, nothing else breaks. In bioinformatics, this is vital— a minor glitch could mean inaccurate results that impact ongoing research or even patient care. ?? Why it matters to bioinformaticians Bioinformatics tools are often interconnected with other databases and systems. A change in one part of the workflow (say, in a sequence alignment tool) could have a ripple effect across the entire system. Regression testing catches these issues early, ensuring that all components continue to work seamlessly together. ?? Long-term benefits Frequent regression testing not only keeps software reliable but also reduces time spent on debugging. It allows bioinformatics teams to focus on what really matters—scientific discovery—without worrying about disruptions in their processes. ?? Final takeaway As bioinformatics research evolves and the tools grow more complex, regression testing becomes indispensable for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of results. By making regression testing a regular practice, teams can confidently implement new features, knowing their workflows are protected.

Last week, I had the honor of speaking at the Vancouver Bioinformatics User Group (VanBUG; vanbug.org), a community of students and professionals passionate about bioinformatics, computational biology, and data science. I shared my experience navigating a non-research, industry role in bioinformatics. I've given similar talks to students at Langara College (where the event was held & where I now serve on the Bioinformatics Program Advisory Committee) and at SFU Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (where I completed my PhD in microbial genomics), but this time, I shifted the focus from my usual career journey and application tips to how to develop skills like business development, project/product management, and scientific communications in the life sciences industry. As the first employee at Magna Labs, a biotech startup providing software quality solutions to the scientific community, these are the very roles I now engage in daily. It was great to reconnect with former colleagues from my PhD days and the VanBUG dev team, but what stood out was how many current students resonated with my story. They're eager to apply their technical knowledge in non-R&D roles, where they can make an impact by bringing genomic technologies to research and clinical settings. I believe in the value of career talks—when I was a student, they opened doors for me, and now I enjoy giving back. If anyone is looking to explore bioinformatics-related careers or needs help navigating the industry and job market, I’d love to connect and offer support!

"It is critical to the future of precision science and medicine that we improve both the quality and timeliness of bioinformatic software development.” — Gwenn Berry, CEO, Magna Labs Read More Here: https://bit.ly/3ZmVb9f

Magna Labs is proud to receive the Technology Commercialization Grant from VIPC | Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation. We greatly appreciate VIPC's continued support. Most importantly, this grant recognizes the growing impact of our bioinformatic software QA technology in advancing precision medicine research. "Magna Labs offers a solution at the intersection of biology, informatics, and data analysis...Their revolutionary QA tool, while significant now, is likely to become increasingly valuable and widespread within the next decade as the precision medicine market continues to grow. VIPC is enthusiastic about the potential impact of the Miqa technology platform as well as this team of innovators.” - Jeanette Townsend, VIPC’s Director of Private Sector Grants

To support the growth of the Fairfax County startup ecosystem, eight innovative companies have been awarded grants as part of the second cohort of the?Fairfax Founders Fund, which provides technical assistance and $50,000 grants to startups developing innovative technology solutions and demonstrating business growth opportunities. “The Fairfax Founders Fund is instrumental in catalyzing the growth of our county’s innovation economy,”?said Rebecca Moudry, director of Fairfax County Government’s Department of Economic Initiatives. “By providing crucial seed funding and support, we are empowering these eight exceptional startups to transform their visionary ideas into tangible products and services. This investment not only fosters technological advancement, but also drives job creation and economic prosperity within Fairfax County.” Fairfax County Economic Development Authority wants to congratulate the second cohort of grant recipients: ? KAPPA AgTech?–?Develops agricultural technology to enable cultivators to grow more sustainably. ? Karambit.AI –?Leverages automated software reverse engineering and program analysis to automatically detect when new or malicious code has been added to closed-source packages in a software supply chain. ? Magna Labs –?Empowers computational biology teams to confidently build and use bioinformatics tools. ? NanoNiFe?–?Provides battery design and international licensing; engineering and electrochemical consulting; and U.S. Manufacturing and commercialization of residential Vanadium Redox Flow battery [in development]. ? Pluribus –?Pioneers new methodologies of data science, data analytics, decision science, and geosocial and geospatial awareness. ? NIOSolutions Inc?–?Simplifies the technology adoption for companies and partner on their digital transformation journey. ? Saltenna –?Pioneers plasmonics, a new wireless communications and sensing technology. ? ZipID, Inc. – Automates SaaS products to simplify Form I-9 compliance. ? https://lnkd.in/einVi9RA

Exciting news for Magna Labs! We're honored to be selected for the second cohort of the Fairfax Founders Fund—a program that provides grants and technical assistance to early-stage companies with innovative technology and demonstrated business growth. This support will accelerate our mission to revolutionize bioinformatic software and data validation in genomics and precision medicine, helping us empower bioinformatics teams with the tools they need for more efficient and reliable research. A big thank you to the VIPC | Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and the International Economic Development Council for recognizing the importance of fostering a thriving ecosystem for startups like ours.

Are you attending ISMB2024 next month? Our Founder and CEO, Gwenn Berry, will be presenting at the ISMB Tech Track on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 2:40 PM in Room 524c! You will see a live demo of Miqa, our biologist-friendly, cloud-enabled QA automation platform that continuously tests, monitors, and benchmarks your bioinformatic algorithms throughout all stages of development. Learn how to easily incorporate testing into your bioinformatic workflows, including: - Creating tests to validate your bioinformatic algorithms and pipelines - Automating software tests as frequently as every code change - Turning interactive QA test results into actionable data Don’t miss our Tech Track demo if you’re interested in boosting the quality of your bioinformatic tools and analyses! Also, feel free to connect with the Magna Labs team anytime if you want to learn more.