“BioBrowser” software application developed as part of a German Research Foundation project by researchers specialised in Visual Computing at Fraunhofer Austria in Graz. Based on research data of molecular biologists, the software automatically calculates and displays 3D models of complex proteins – at the push of a button, in high quality, and interactively.

Dr. Eva Eggeling, Head of Visual Computing says: "Researchers can turn the molecule and look at it from every angle, enlarge it at will and select specific areas; the image is always razor sharp and users can switch between the most important variants. Visualised models can be very large and complex    – they often consist of 50,000 and more atoms.

 “When examining molecules, an enormous flood of data is generated that in itself makes little sense at all. BioBrowser converts this data into graphic images and makes the links between different molecules visible.”

Interested researchers receive a download link on request that gives them direct free-of-charge access to the program. They can also arrange an appointment with colleagues in Graz to study the proteins on a large 3D projection screen. Graz researchers are hoping this will give new drive to molecular biology and the development of medicines.

At the moment they are working on extending and improving user interface. Feedback from the first scientific users helps the Graz researchers decide whether they need to add other functions. The product is primarily directed at Austrian scientists, but can also be used worldwide. “We are also reckoning on enquires from other European countries, particularly from Germany and Switzerland”, explains Eggeling.