MOTIVATION: Sanger sequencing of taxonomic marker genes (e.g. 16S/18S/ITS/rpoB/cpn60) represents the leading method for identifying a wide range of microorganisms including bacteria, archaea, and fungi. However, the manual processing of sequence data and limitations associated with conventional BLAST searches impede the efficient generation of strain libraries essential for cataloging microbial diversity and discovering novel species. RESULTS: isolateR addresses these challenges by implementing a standardized and scalable three-step pipeline that includes: (1) automated batch processing of Sanger sequence files, (2) taxonomic classification via global alignment to type strain databases in accordance with the latest international nomenclature standards, and (3) straightforward creation of strain libraries and handling of clonal isolates, with the ability to set customizable sequence dereplication thresholds and combine data from multiple sequencing runs into a single library. The tool's user-friendly design also features interactive HTML outputs that simplify data exploration and analysis. Additionally, in silico benchmarking done on two comprehensive human gut genome catalogues (IMGG and Hadza hunter-gather populations) showcase the proficiency of isolateR in uncovering and cataloging the nuanced spectrum of microbial diversity, advocating for a more targeted and granular exploration within individual hosts to achieve the highest strain-level resolution possible when generating culture collections. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: isolateR is available at: https://github.com/bdaisley/isolateR.

Abstract An unfortunate tendency in previous HCI research has been to give the impression that it aims to ‘fix the problem’ of human ageing, suggesting a ‘deficit’ model of ageing or a ‘prosthetic’ model of technology. We conducted diary-aided interviews to investigate how technology use is situated in active, healthy older adults’ meaningful participation in community music. We argue that recognizing community music practices and technology use as situated action provides opportunities to grasp the subtleties of social participation and design for active ageing. We identified technology-mediated music practices, such as music sharing and revisiting, and how they evolved through the reconfiguration of connections between technology, competence, and forward-facing identities. We found that identity development, via routes such as exercising control, role transitions, and social spaces, had psychological significance and implications for active ageing. We explore how HCI leverages the perspective of active ageing and might facilitate older adults’ meaningful participation enhanced by technologies.