Computer Core

Summary/Abstract The role of the Computer Core is to provide specialized computer services to vision scientists throughout Columbia University, with priority given to investigators supported by NEI RO1 grants. Computer technology is critical to all modern visual science: database management, genetic and neuroscientific computation, reliable data storage, and serving as on-line adjuncts to laboratory instruments, and the Core facilitates all of these processes. The Core has 2 major components: 1) the Harkness Eye Institute (HEI) site, which includes: A. The Genomics Analysis Suite, B. The databases and server center, C. Computing and programming services; and 2) the Zuckerman Mind, Brain, and Behavior Institute (ZMBBI), where the Core provides real-time software and hardware components for visual systems neuroscience. Although the University provides standard PC backup (e.g. support for Windows and Microsoft Office), visual systems neuroscience requires much more sophisticated support. In systems neuroscience rather than performing an isolated data analysis function, computers are integrated into the experimental apparatus itself, performing a number of functions in real time, such as controlling the animal’s behavior, measuring eye movement and arm movement, collecting single neuron activity, and doing preliminary data analysis. This requires special real-time operating systems, usually beyond the ability of the University PC technicians, and special interfaces to enable an efficient interface between the experimental apparatus and the computer. Because the Zuckerman Institute now provides server and off-site backup facilities, this frees up the Core for more creative computer interface development, for example to facilitate the new development of multiple single neuron recording, including the adaptation of high speed graphics cards to physiological recording, areas beyond the expertise of the ZMBBI computer team. The Core will also provide emergency computer backup when the ZMBBI team is unavailable. The Harkness Eye Institute is heavily reliant on SQL databases and programming, again a capability beyond that of the University computer technicians. The new component of the Computer core at the HEI is the innovative Genomics Analysis Suite, which will provide integrated data management and analysis capabilities for genetic and imaging data. The Core will also foster collaborations among the group of visual systems investigators themselves, and also between experimental vision scientists and computational neuroscientists at the ZMBBI’s Center for Theoretical Neuroscience. At HEI it will enable a number of collaborations between vision scientists and scientists new to vision research.