CLC Bio scientists and Prof Michael M Miyamoto from Florida University have published an article with free software for simulating de-novo assemblies in the inaugural edition of the 'Genes' journal.
The overall quality of de-novo sequencing projects depends on a range of parameters, including read lengths, single-versus-paired-end reads, insert sizes, coverage and sequencing technology.
This assembly simulation software tool provides an unbiased guide to scientifically determine the ideal strategy for a given de-novo sequence assembly project, including accounting for sequencing costs.
Miyamoto said: 'When you start a de-novo sequencing project, you often basically don't know what you're looking for.
'By using this assembly simulator, scientists can play around with the various parameters before they actually start spending money, time and effort on sequencing.
'In essence, this tool can help scientists to select the options that will provide them with the ideal scientific output,' he added.
