Computing Hardware

Biomix High Performance Computational (HPC) Cluster*

The Biomix cluster at DBI provides the Delaware life science community access to High Performance Computer (HPC) hardware. Biomix includes with >4000 hyper threads available to accept analysis jobs and combined system RAM of >40TB.  Nodes areconfigured with the particular needs of bioinformatics approaches in mind, including high RAM configurations (256GB- 2TB per node) and power configurations (up to 96 CPU cores/192 hyper threads per node).  Through support from Delaware INBRE and other sources, Biomix is freely accessible to members of the Delaware life science community.  IT support/hosting is provided by DBI BioIT team and application support/training are provided by BDS core personnel.  As a biology-centric HPC cluster, common biological analysis software is pre-configured on Biomix.  Biomix includes customized analysis queues to support execution of docker containerization of analyses and specialized resources and software required for CryoEM analysis (inquire for more information).  A quick start guide and other resources for users is available.  Biomix hardware and user support is heavily supported by Delaware INBRE (NIH P20GM103446, PI: Melinda Duncan), please cite their support in any publications or other projects arising from Biomix usage.

BioStoRe (Biomedical Store Resource)

BioStoRe is an enterprise grade Dell Isilon storage cluster providing >2PB of fast, secure storage to support the data needs of biomedical and other life science researchers and core facilities.  Users with substantial (multi TB) storage needs can apply for BioStoRe storage allocations through our CrossLab/iLab Site (Service Request > BioStoRe Allocation).  We have worked with other core facilities including the DBI Bio-Imaging Center to streamline use of BioStoRe to support of instrumentation generating large amounts of biological data.  BioStoRe shares can be accessed through Biomix, mounted to instruments in core facilities, and mounted directly on lab/researcher computers (usage guide).  BioStoRe was made possible through a shared instrumentation grant from the NIH Shared Instrumentation Program (NIH S10OD028725, PI: Shawn Polson) with additional support from Delaware INBRE (NIH P20GM103446, PI: Melinda Duncan), please cite their support in any publications or other projects arising from BioStoRe usage.

Database and Web Servers

The Core hosts production and development database and web application servers.  This hardware can be used to manage large data sets and to develop/host scientific web applications to make your data accessible to the broader scientific community.  The BDS core offers database and web application development and hosting services. Direct access to development server environments can be arranged to enable researchers and trainees to develop their own resources.  This hardware and user support is heavily supported by Delaware INBRE (NIH P20GM103446, PI: Melinda Duncan), please cite their support in any publications or other projects arising from this usage.

Considering a hardware purchase?

A number of the Biomix compute nodes were purchased by users to support their research. In partnership with DBI, we can help you select, purchase, and maintain your system as part of the Biomix cluster.

*Biomix and other computational resources offered by the Core are made available free-of-charge through the support of Delaware INBRE (NIH P20GM103446) and other sources. Please see our acknowledgement statement and recognize these important contributions in any publications or other products resulting from their use.

Contact bioinformatics@udel.edu for more information.