The University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Genome Browser is a web-based resource that provides access to a comprehensive database of genomic sequences and annotations for a wide range of organisms, with a focus on vertebrates, particularly humans and mice. As of September 2013, the database included genomic sequences and basic annotation tracks for approximately 90 organisms. Key updates and new features include: 1. **New Genome Assemblies**: 35 new vertebrate assemblies were added, including 20 species, such as baboon, mouse lemur, and tarsier. 2. **Updated Annotations**: The UCSC Genes track was updated for both human and mouse assemblies, with significant increases in the number of transcripts and genes. 3. **Variation Data**: SNP annotations were updated to dbSNP Build 138, and new tracks were added for disease-associated genetic variation based on curated public databases. 4. **Comparative Alignments**: A 100-species conservation track was released for the human assembly, and the 60-species multiple alignment track was expanded. 5. **ENCODE Data**: Enhanced accessibility and usability of ENCODE data were improved, including reprocessed transcription factor ChIP-seq and DNase1 HS peak call data sets. 6. ** Publications Data**: The Publications track was expanded to include more research articles and categorized by keyword content. 7. ** Denisova Data**: New annotations tracks for Denisova were released, including mappings to the human reference sequence and variant calls from sequence reads. 8. **Software Updates**: New tools were introduced, such as the Variant Annotation Integrator (VAI) for predicting functional effects of variants and the haplotype alleles display for protein-coding genes. 9. **User Training and Mirror Support**: Enhanced documentation, training materials, and support for mirror sites were provided. These updates and features enhance the browser's capabilities for visualizing, comparing, and analyzing genomic data, making it a valuable resource for researchers in various fields.The University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Genome Browser is a web-based resource that provides access to a comprehensive database of genomic sequences and annotations for a wide range of organisms, with a focus on vertebrates, particularly humans and mice. As of September 2013, the database included genomic sequences and basic annotation tracks for approximately 90 organisms. Key updates and new features include: 1. **New Genome Assemblies**: 35 new vertebrate assemblies were added, including 20 species, such as baboon, mouse lemur, and tarsier. 2. **Updated Annotations**: The UCSC Genes track was updated for both human and mouse assemblies, with significant increases in the number of transcripts and genes. 3. **Variation Data**: SNP annotations were updated to dbSNP Build 138, and new tracks were added for disease-associated genetic variation based on curated public databases. 4. **Comparative Alignments**: A 100-species conservation track was released for the human assembly, and the 60-species multiple alignment track was expanded. 5. **ENCODE Data**: Enhanced accessibility and usability of ENCODE data were improved, including reprocessed transcription factor ChIP-seq and DNase1 HS peak call data sets. 6. ** Publications Data**: The Publications track was expanded to include more research articles and categorized by keyword content. 7. ** Denisova Data**: New annotations tracks for Denisova were released, including mappings to the human reference sequence and variant calls from sequence reads. 8. **Software Updates**: New tools were introduced, such as the Variant Annotation Integrator (VAI) for predicting functional effects of variants and the haplotype alleles display for protein-coding genes. 9. **User Training and Mirror Support**: Enhanced documentation, training materials, and support for mirror sites were provided. These updates and features enhance the browser's capabilities for visualizing, comparing, and analyzing genomic data, making it a valuable resource for researchers in various fields.