Starting in WormBase version WS210, links on specific Gene Summary pages will now connect via a new website to matching selections from >300 4-dimensional gene-expression-pattern movies, and movies can now be viewed interactively via a new user interface.
http://glowormnotes.blogspot.com/ is the direct-access home page for this movie collection, and comment postings from visitors and observers are being actively sought. Comments entered on the content of the movies will be curated and compiled into descriptive summaries and notes for each recording, to annotate these movies based on expert observations by those in the worm community. Both the website and the viewing software are recently released, so wishes and suggestions for improvements are appreciated. A link to send questions or requests for instructions via email is also provided on the website.
The viewing program GLOWormJ displays single multidimensional movies and/or multiple movies in synchronized comparisons between embryos/genotypes of interest. The new 5D sync display feature allows “virtual coexpression” experiments for multiple reporter genes. GLOWormJ is a modified version of the powerful image processing and analysis program, ImageJ. Tools for contrast enhancement, channel/color mapping, noise reduction and many other processing and measurement functions are available while viewing and analyzing movies. Excerpts or entire movies may be saved to the client’s computer.