Article by: Harper Mason, on 07 July 2023, at 07:36 am PDT

The realm of reaction design has been revolutionized by the relentless strides of computational chemistry, opening a gateway to uncharted territories brimming with possibilities. Within this realm, vast oceans of data are born, each droplet holding the potential for scientific marvels. Yet, to unlock the true essence of this data-driven world, a means of organization and visualization becomes paramount.

In a dazzling display of ingenuity, a fellowship of researchers hailing from the prestigious Hokkaido University has heeded the call, guided by the visionary Professor Keisuke Takahashi of the Faculty of Chemistry and the indomitable Professor Satoshi Maeda from the Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD). Together, they have forged an unprecedented creation: Searching Chemical Action and Network, or SCAN for short. This centralized haven presents an interactive oasis, beckoning us to explore the intricate labyrinths of reaction pathways gifted by the ethereal realm of computational chemistry.

"Imagine, if you will, a tapestry woven by the cosmic dance of molecules—a tapestry we seek to understand," muses Takahashi. "In this cosmic tapestry, chemical reactions manifest as awe-inspiring networks, brimming with complexity and teeming with countless molecular interactions. Our task was clear: to craft the tools necessary to navigate and unravel these mesmerizing networks."

At the heart of their venture lies the sacred trifecta: the data lake, the data warehouse, and the data mart. A torrent of raw data, birthed from the majestic calculations of AFIR, flows into the expansive data lake. This data, like fragments of a grand puzzle, yearns to be shaped into a coherent whole. Thus, through the sacred ritual of pre-processing, a transformation transpires, birthing the mighty data warehouse. It is within this domain that the essence of the SCAN platform takes form—a treasure trove of knowledge, ready to be explored.

"The pre-processing step, dear friends, is the very soul of our undertaking," elucidates Maeda with fervor. "Within the vast sea of AFIR's raw data lies a hidden tapestry of wisdom. We must seize the essence, extracting the key elements that breathe life into our SCAN platform—a realm where interactive maps of reaction pathways spring to life, awaiting the eager gaze of seekers."

And so, the veil is lifted, inviting all passionate souls to embark upon this wondrous odyssey. The enchanted realms of SCAN await those brave enough to venture forth, their gaze poised upon the horizon of chemical discovery. Guided by a user-friendly graphic interface, explorers may traverse the ethereal landscapes, delving into the labyrinthine depths of chemical reaction networks meticulously woven by the first principles of AFIR calculations. It is through this sacred quest that an intimate comprehension of the enigmatic pathways of intricate reactions shall be attained, unraveled like the pages of an ancient tome.

Fear not, for this is no realm veiled in secrecy. Nay, dear companions, for the keepers of knowledge have seen fit to grant access to SCAN's treasured halls via the following incantation: https://scan.sci.hokudai.ac.jp/. Furthermore, the very essence of this creation, its source code, has been unveiled to the world, a testament to the spirit of open exploration and shared enlightenment.