The World Wide Web puts a vast amount of information at our finger tips. Below are a few examples of how a research scientist like me might use the world wide web during an average day. One of the most important resources available on-line is the collected reference databases of the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Bibliographic search engines like PubMed, Medline, and Grateful Med provide access to nearly all published journal articles, research reports, etc. from 1966 to the present time. References are easily downloaded directly into personal bibliographic databases using programs such as Endnote. To add citations when we write research reports and journal articles we use a wordprocessing program like Word that works with Endnote. After we do the on-line search, we then read the journal articles on-line. At UIC the library subscribes to over 300 on-line journals. We also have personal subscrptions to other journals, such as Science Magazine. Being able to search for articles, then quickly retrieve them without leaving the office or lab saves us time and make our work day more effiecient.
In this era of the human genome project, vasts amounts of genetic data are being posted to on-line reprositories that provide immediate access to the scientific community. A quick trip to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and we can search the genomic data using programs like BLAST to uncover sequence similarities and how related to other species our gene of interest is. After we complete our research and write papers, we go to conferences and present our data. To submit abstracts for meetings, we would go to the Scientific Societies web site. We will also register on-line for the meeting.
We also can find out about other universities, medical centers etc. Someone at another university can find out all about where I work, UIC, by visiting our web site. By visiting university web sites we can find the e-mail addresses of our colleleagues. E-mail (mailto:dbhale@uic.edu) is the most important use we have for the Internet. Of course we also shop on-line for reagents and equipment for the lab. We keep in touch with the world by checking the on-line news and may even check to see how the stock-market is doing. There are a vast number of real fantastic sites on the web. Shown below is a summary of the sites we use every day, and links to several useful, entertaining and real cool science related sites. The number of sites devoted to science for kids is amazing. Shown below are links to science sites for kids, at least some of them!
relaxation, fun and PROFIT
Yahooligans! - Science and Nature index of science and nature sites for kids
Links to Other Science Sites for Kids!
science for kids Another set of links to science sites for kids
Information Please Kids' Almanac: On-Line Dictionary, Encyclopedia, and Homework Help
Forensic Science for Kids An incredible site for kids and adults interested in scientific methods of detection.
Kids Home Questacon is Australia's leading Hands-on Science Centre. Questacon promotes understanding and appreciation of science and technology through a wide variety of interactive exhibitions and programs. The Questacon website is divided into three sections, this link points to the Kids section. Go here to get to the top: Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, Canberra
SCIENCE U interactive site promotes science interest.
Buck's Own Personal Home Page
contains links to lots of strange and interesting sites
Science Resources a page with links
to useful science resources for active researchers.
Buck's Faculty Page All about my
reasearch
Please send your suggestions and comments to me: buck@orik.com