News & Events

FaceBase research featured in facial genetics publication on Nature Genetics (09 December 2020)

Various FaceBase researchers have published a new paper on Nature Genetics titled “Insights into the genetic architecture of the human face”:

Abstract: The human face is complex and multipartite, and characterization of its genetic architecture remains challenging. Using a multivariate genome-wide association study meta-analysis of 8,246 European individuals, we identified 203 genome-wide-significant signals (120 also study-wide significant) associated with normal-range facial variation. Follow-up analyses indicate that the regions surrounding these signals are enriched for enhancer activity in cranial neural crest cells and craniofacial tissues, several regions harbor multiple signals with associations to different facial phenotypes, and there is evidence for potential coordinated actions of variants. In summary, our analyses provide insights into the understanding of how complex morphological traits are shaped by both individual and coordinated genetic actions.

Also see an accompanying piece that John Shaffer and Seth Weinberg, (Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, University of Pittsburgh), wrote for The Conversation:

https://theconversation.com/we-scanned-the-dna-of-8-000-people-to-see-how-facial-features-are-controlled-by-genes-151539

This study was funded by the NIDCR. The raw source data for the phenotypes — the 3D facial surface models in .obj format — are available through the 3D Facial Norms database at the FaceBase Consortium: https://www.facebase.org/id/VWP.

Access to these 3D facial surface models requires proper institutional ethics approval and approval from the FaceBase Data Access Committee (DAC). To gain access to this data, you must first go through the process outlined here .

Bootcamp for Users on November 18th (28 October 2020)

We have a new bootcamp coming up for our FaceBase users that will help you get the most out of finding, using and sharing data and research on the FaceBase website.

When?

November 18, 2020

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern / 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Pacific

Calendar links: Google | iCal

Where?

ZOOM (details will be emailed to registrants) with replay videos available after the event

Who is it for?

For craniofacial researchers, biologists, geneticists, clinicians, and students who are interested in accessing a wide breadth and depth of craniofacial biomedical data. Whether you’re new to facebase.org or you’ve used the site for years, you’ll learn more of what’s available, some new features, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your experience.

What?

Here’s the general agenda:

Site walkthrough with general look at resources available
Searching options, tips & tricks
- Metadata/data models
How to share and properly cite data
How to export data
Q&A

How?

Just click this link for details and how to register: https://www.facebase.org/bootcamp/

If you have any questions, please send them to help@facebase.org.

Join the FaceBase Workshop at SCGDB Tuesday, October 20th (07 October 2020)

Join Rob Schuler, technical project manager of the FaceBase Hub, as he conducts a workshop at the Society for Craniofacial Genetics & Developmental Biology Annual Meeting this month.

FaceBase Workshop
Tuesday, October 20th
12:30 PM Eastern

For more information, see the meeting website: https://www.scgdb.org/annual-meeting.

FaceBase Bootcamp for Data Submitters Replay Videos (12 August 2020)

Thanks to all those who participated in the Bootcamp! We had a great time with 22 attendees!

We recorded the entire session and have posted them here - separated out by agenda topics so you can go directly to the session that interests you most:

Go to: https://www.facebase.org/bootcamp/2020-07-22/

Screenshot from the hands-on tutorial segment

First FaceBase Bootcamp for Data Submitters on July 22nd (08 June 2020)

We are inviting all craniofacial researchers who are interested in submitting data to the FaceBase website to join us for the first FaceBase Bootcamp for Data Submitters.

Our original intention was to be able to provide travel funding for labs to send data submitters for first hand training. Due to the Covid-19 we weren’t able to do so this year (sign up for a FaceBase account to be notified about such opportunities in 2021!) we have decided to hold this bootcamp virtually.