Intel, Lenovo and BGI join forces to accelerate novel coronavirus genome analysis

Intel, Lenovo and BGI today announced that the three companies are working together to accelerate the analysis of the genomic characteristics of the new coronavirus COVID-19. Professional technology and life science experts from Intel and Lenovo will work together to provide BGI researchers with new big data analysis technology and computing resources to further enhance the analysis capabilities of its gene sequencing tools and more efficiently study the genomic characteristics of the new coronavirus.

An experimenter is operating the BGI DNBSEQ-T7 sequencer. (Photo provided by BGI)

The technology that Intel and Lenovo are providing to BGI includes a large high-performance computing cluster that can be used to process high-throughput data read from the BGI DNBSEQ-T7 sequencing system. BGI researchers will be able to further accelerate their research on the genomic characteristics of the new coronavirus through new high-performance computing and genomic analysis technologies, as well as the relevant resources and expertise of Intel and Lenovo. This technology will support scientists in studying the toxicity of the virus, transmission patterns, and interactions between pathogens and hosts, thereby assisting epidemiological and vaccine design research. These efforts are essential for creating better diagnostic methods and designing effective vaccines or other protective measures (such as immunotherapy) in the future.

Through this collaboration, BGI will be able to continue to optimize its novel coronavirus test kits and obtain a wealth of valuable information. This information will help identify potential targets for developing effective vaccines or treatments in the future. Through the joint efforts of Intel and Lenovo, Lenovo's supercomputing technology supports and optimizes the "Genome Optimization and Scalability Tool" (GOAST, the first genomic analysis tool verified by Intel® Select Solutions), which can provide up to 40 times I acceleration for whole genome sequencing and whole exome sequencing calculations, helping BGI optimize the computing process, efficiently process data, and generate reliable genomic analysis results faster, thereby shortening the time for scientific research and clinical observation.

"There is still a lot we don't know about this new coronavirus. BGI accelerates the rapid identification of infected people and the study of genomic characteristics by analyzing viral genome data, and these tasks require huge computing resources, which is exactly where we can play a role." Wang Rui, vice president of Intel Marketing Group and general manager of Intel China, said, "Therefore, we work closely together to provide more computing resources and professional support to scientists who are conducting virus research on the front line of epidemic prevention, hoping to race against the cunning virus, help prevent and control the epidemic, and save more lives."

BGI DNBSEQ-T7 sequencer. (Photo provided by BGI)

Tong Fuyao, senior vice president of Lenovo Group and president of Enterprise Technology Group, said: "The COVID-19 epidemic has touched the hearts of people across the country. As a leading global HPC manufacturer, Lenovo has been committed to providing computing support for life science research. Experts in big data analysis and health and life sciences from Intel and Lenovo will integrate our resources and expertise to help solve the current severe challenges and promote the development of health and life sciences."

In gene sequencing, each milliliter of body fluid usually contains millions of different viruses, and the genome of each virus contains about 30,000 DNA bases or letters. BGI is sequencing the genes of many infected patients and suspected infected patients' microorganisms, so these research works will generate TB-level or even PB-level massive data. In order to process these important data efficiently and quickly, more advanced HPC infrastructure, computing technology and optimized genome analysis methods are needed.

Headquartered in Shenzhen, BGI is one of the world's leading companies focused on life science and genetic research. Jin Xiangqian, Chief Information Officer of BGI, said: "BGI has sequenced hundreds of clinical samples to analyze and distinguish complications of infection. Technologies in the field of bioinformatics, such as genome alignment, genome assembly, genome annotation, and systematic analysis of viral nucleic acid fragments, are high-density computing processes, so sufficient high-performance computing is essential to improve analysis efficiency. Being able to use the latest high-performance computing and genome analysis technologies is an important factor in improving analysis efficiency. This equipment and technology will accelerate the rapid identification of people infected with the new coronavirus and the study of the characteristics of the viral genome , providing strong support for the precise diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and control of the new coronavirus."