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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Fully Autonomous Characterization and Data Collection from Crystals of Biological Macromolecules
Published on: March 22, 2019
Crystallographic software: a sustainable resource for the community
Stephen J Everse1, Sylvie Doublié
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
Keeping up with evolving crystallographic software is challenging. CRYSTAL (http://crystal.uvm.edu) is a dynamic website providing an updated, comprehensive list of macromolecular structure determination tools, tutorials, and resources.
Area of Science:
- Crystallography
- Structural Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Software in crystallography, particularly for macromolecular structure determination, undergoes continuous evolution.
- Maintaining an up-to-date repository of available software is difficult due to the rapid pace of development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce CRYSTAL, a website designed to serve as a centralized, evolving resource for crystallographic software.
- To provide users with easy access to the latest versions, documentation, and download links for essential crystallographic tools.
Main Methods:
- Development and maintenance of the CRYSTAL website (http://crystal.uvm.edu).
- Curating a comprehensive list of crystallographic software packages for macromolecular structure determination.
- Compiling detailed descriptions including software versions, authors, operating systems, download links, tutorials, and citations.
Main Results:
- CRYSTAL website launched as a dynamic resource for crystallographic software.
- The site includes links to educational materials, journals, and books relevant to crystallography.
- Detailed information is provided for each software package, facilitating informed selection and use.
Conclusions:
- CRYSTAL addresses the challenge of rapidly changing crystallographic software by offering a continuously updated online resource.
- The website serves as a valuable tool for researchers in macromolecular structure determination, enhancing accessibility to necessary software and information.
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