RAS BiologyБиофизика Biophysics

  • ISSN (Print) 0006-3029
  • ISSN (Online) 3034-5278

BearBase: Database of the Museum Collection of Polar Bear Specimens

PII
S0006302925010195-1
DOI
10.31857/S0006302925010195
Publication type
Article
Status
Published
Authors
Volume/ Edition
Volume 70 / Issue number 1
Pages
161-166
Abstract
Museum collections of biological specimens are invaluable for research, particularly when paired with modern genetic analysis and omics technology. Although documentation has evolved from paper to digital formats, managing the diverse data requirements of these collections continues to pose challenges. Current software tools are designed for specific tasks and often require advanced technical skills, which can limit accessibility. To tackle these challenges, we developed BearBase, a user-friendly and portable database system that does not necessitate professional expertise. It features both server and client components, supports offline usage, and can sync with mobile devices for fieldwork. Users can easily import data from formats like MS Excel and modify database structure as needed. The open-source code is available on GitHub. Currently, BearBase hosts data on approximately 500 polar bear (Ursus maritimus) specimens from the collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg), encompassing those harvested during research and commercial activities dating back to the 19th century. Moreover, the system can be customized to manage other collections of biological or medical specimens.
Keywords
биологические коллекции геномика популяционная генетика арктическая фауна базы данных
Date of publication
24.10.2025
Year of publication
2025
Number of purchasers
0
Views
18

References

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At the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation

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