OnScreen Science Reduces Prices for DNA Visualization Software

by , 4:30 PM EDT, August 31st, 2007

OnScreen Science announced on Friday the immediate and permanent price reduction of its DNA visualization software. The new prices for the Lite, Standard, and Pro editions of OnScreen DNA are US$29, $99, and $134, respectively.

OnScreen DNA, which runs under Macintosh OS X and Windows XP, is designed to make the detailed structure and workings of DNA easily accessible to students at the high school level and above. This includes important details that are impossible to see with the two-dimensional "ladder" animations commonly encountered on the internet. While aimed primarily at biology teachers, the software has been utilized by others as a self-teaching aid, according to OnScreen Science.

OnScreen DNA Lite uses a 3D virtual model to teach the structural details of DNA, including its double helix geometry and chemical components and bonds. OnScreen DNA (standard) adds 3D simulations of the critical DNA processes of replication and gene transcription. The Pro edition empowers and challenges users to take control of these simulations to construct DNA and RNA molecules through the proper choice of enzymes and nucleotide building blocks.

In all three editions, identification of any component of the DNA is simply obtained by clicking on it. Users can rotate the DNA model and zoom in or out to see it from different perspectives even while simulations with moving components are taking place.

OnScreen DNA requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. Ordering information is at the OnScreen Science buying page.