linus: Conveniently explore, share, and present large-scale biological trajectory data in a web browser

PLoS Comput Biol. 2021 Nov 1;17(11):e1009503. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009503. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Abstract

In biology, we are often confronted with information-rich, large-scale trajectory data, but exploring and communicating patterns in such data can be a cumbersome task. Ideally, the data should be wrapped with an interactive visualisation in one concise packet that makes it straightforward to create and test hypotheses collaboratively. To address these challenges, we have developed a tool, linus, which makes the process of exploring and sharing 3D trajectories as easy as browsing a website. We provide a python script that reads trajectory data, enriches them with additional features such as edge bundling or custom axes, and generates an interactive web-based visualisation that can be shared online. linus facilitates the collaborative discovery of patterns in complex trajectory data.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computational Biology / methods*
  • Information Dissemination / methods*
  • Internet*
  • Programming Languages
  • User-Computer Interface

Grants and funding

J.W. received funding from the International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication: Function, Structure, and Plasticity (Leipzig, Germany; https://imprs-neurocom.mpg.de). K.A. and V.T. acknowledge funding from European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona and Mesoscopic Imaging Facility, EMBL Barcelona for help with imaging. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.