bioinformatics
The application of computer technology to the management of biological information. Specifically, it is the science of developing computer databases and algorithms to facilitate and expedite biological research. Bioinformatics is being used largely in the field of human genome research by the Human Genome Project that has been determining the sequence of the entire human genome (about 3 billion base pairs) and is essential in using genomic information to understand diseases. It is also used largely for the identification of new molecular targets for drug discovery.
Many universities have recognized the importance of this endeavor and have instituted academic and training programs in bioinformatics that combine backgrounds in molecular biology with a strong foundation in computer science. Specialists in the field are referred to as computational biologists or bioinformatics computer scientists.
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A general term used to describe how accurate a biometric system performs. Biometric accuracy is based on several verifying criteria including the identification rate, error rate, false acceptance rate, false alarm rate, and additional biometric system standards.
- biometric characteristic
Any distinguishing characteristics of an individual that can be measured and extracted from a biometric sample for the purpose of biometric identification. Biometric characteristics may include a fingerprint, signature, voice pattern, ear form, DNA or other distinguishing characteristic. See “Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft” in the “Did You Know…” section of
- biometric data
A general term used to refer to any computer data that is created during a biometric process. This includes samples, models, fingerprints, similarity scores and all verification or identification data excluding the individual’s name and demographics. See “How Fingerprint Scanners Work” in the “”Did You Know…” section of
- biometric engine
(n.) The aspect of a biometric security system that administers the biometric data during the enrollment, capture, extraction, comparison and matching stages of the process. The biometric engine is a software program that works in conjunction with the hardware devices that a biometric system uses.
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The data obtained by a biometric system’s capture device-such as a facial image, voice recording or a fingerprint. See “Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft” in the “Did You Know…” section of