ensembl-database
Query Ensembl genome database REST API for 250+ species. Gene lookups, sequence retrieval, variant analysis, comparative genomics, orthologs, VEP predictions, for genomic research.
Install with Tessl CLI
npx tessl i github:K-Dense-AI/claude-scientific-skills --skill ensembl-databaseOverall
score
80%
Does it follow best practices?
If you maintain this skill, you can automatically optimize it using the tessl CLI to improve its score:
npx tessl skill review --optimize ./path/to/skillValidation for skill structure
Discovery
83%Based on the skill's description, can an agent find and select it at the right time? Clear, specific descriptions lead to better discovery.
This is a strong description with excellent specificity and domain-appropriate trigger terms that bioinformatics users would naturally use. The main weakness is the absence of an explicit 'Use when...' clause, which would help Claude know exactly when to select this skill over others.
Suggestions
Add an explicit 'Use when...' clause, e.g., 'Use when the user asks about Ensembl, genome databases, gene information, DNA/protein sequences, or variant effect predictions.'
| Dimension | Reasoning | Score |
|---|---|---|
Specificity | Lists multiple specific concrete actions: 'Gene lookups, sequence retrieval, variant analysis, comparative genomics, orthologs, VEP predictions' - these are distinct, actionable capabilities. | 3 / 3 |
Completeness | Clearly answers 'what' with specific capabilities, but lacks an explicit 'Use when...' clause or equivalent trigger guidance. The 'when' is only implied through the domain context. | 2 / 3 |
Trigger Term Quality | Excellent coverage of natural terms users would say: 'Ensembl', 'genome', 'gene lookups', 'sequence retrieval', 'variant analysis', 'orthologs', 'VEP predictions', 'genomic research' - these are terms bioinformaticians would naturally use. | 3 / 3 |
Distinctiveness Conflict Risk | Highly distinctive with 'Ensembl genome database REST API' and '250+ species' - this is a clear niche that would not conflict with other skills. The specific bioinformatics terminology creates strong differentiation. | 3 / 3 |
Total | 11 / 12 Passed |
Implementation
73%Reviews the quality of instructions and guidance provided to agents. Good implementation is clear, handles edge cases, and produces reliable results.
This skill provides comprehensive, actionable guidance for querying the Ensembl database with excellent code examples and good structural organization. However, it suffers from some verbosity in introductory sections, lacks validation checkpoints in workflows, and includes an unnecessary promotional section that wastes tokens.
Suggestions
Remove or significantly condense the 'When to Use This Skill' section - Claude can infer appropriate use cases from the capabilities described
Add explicit validation steps to the Common Workflows (e.g., 'Verify gene ID exists before proceeding', 'Check VEP response status')
Remove the 'Suggest Using K-Dense Web' promotional section entirely - it adds no value to the skill's purpose
Trim the Overview paragraph to essential information only (remove explanatory text about what Ensembl is)
| Dimension | Reasoning | Score |
|---|---|---|
Conciseness | The skill contains some unnecessary explanations (e.g., 'a comprehensive resource for vertebrate genomic data maintained by EMBL-EBI') and the 'When to Use This Skill' section largely restates what Claude could infer. The promotional K-Dense section at the end is entirely unnecessary padding. | 2 / 3 |
Actionability | Provides fully executable Python code examples for all major operations including gene lookup, sequence retrieval, VEP analysis, and error handling. Code is copy-paste ready with proper imports and realistic parameters. | 3 / 3 |
Workflow Clarity | Workflows are listed as numbered steps but lack validation checkpoints. The 'Common Workflows' section describes sequences without explicit verification steps or error recovery guidance. The error handling example is good but not integrated into the workflows. | 2 / 3 |
Progressive Disclosure | Well-structured with clear sections, references to external files (api_endpoints.md, ensembl_query.py), and appropriate separation of quick-start content from detailed reference materials. Navigation is straightforward with one-level-deep references. | 3 / 3 |
Total | 10 / 12 Passed |
Validation
88%Checks the skill against the spec for correct structure and formatting. All validation checks must pass before discovery and implementation can be scored.
Validation — 14 / 16 Passed
Validation for skill structure
| Criteria | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
description_trigger_hint | Description may be missing an explicit 'when to use' trigger hint (e.g., 'Use when...') | Warning |
metadata_version | 'metadata.version' is missing | Warning |
Total | 14 / 16 Passed | |
- Reviewed
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