Getting started: Finding Relevant Scholarly Literature in Bioinformatics
Tackling a new topic?
Try looking for a review article first. Review articles attempt to summarize the state of research on a scientific topic. While lengthy and not generally including the very latest research, review articles can be a great way to start to get a handle on a topic.
Don't overlook the literature cited at the end of the review: the bibliography contains a wealth of information about the key discoveries and main researchers in the field.
Most databases (including BIOSIS Previews, PubMed, and Web of Science below) will allow you to limit your search to include only review articles or literature reviews.
Key Resources
For articles describing primary research using scientific methods, written by experts in the field or scientists, try these biomedical, biology and life sciences databases:
- Biosis Citation Index This link opens in a new windowThe most comprehensive resource for research in biology, life sciences, preclinical & experimental research, methods & instrumentation, and animal studies. Includes contents of 5,500 life sciences journals.
- PubMed (NU customized) This link opens in a new windowMore than just medical literature, PubMed was developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and publishers of life sciences literature. PubMed consists of 26 million citations for biomedical literature from Medline, life science journals and online books.
- Web of Science, Core Collection 1975-present This link opens in a new windowWeb of Science indexes over 11,000 scholarly journals in the sciences (1975-present). Web of Science's strength is in its interdisciplinary focus and its ability to perform citation searching. Also works seamlessly with EndNote & EndNote Web citation management software.
- bioRxivbioRxiv is a free online archive and distribution service for unpublished preprints in the life sciences. It is operated by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a not-for-profit research and educational institution. Learn more about bioRxiv and its policies.
- arXiv Quantitative BiologyarXiv is an e-print (electronic preprint) service in the fields of physics, mathematics, computer science, quantitative biology, quantitative finance, electrical engineering and systems science, and economics. arXiv is owned and operated by Cornell University and is funded by Cornell University, the Simons Foundations, and other member institutions.
Top 5 Things to Know for Bioinformatics Students
Quick Links
- NU Home Northeastern University Homepage
- College of Science Northeastern College of Science Homepage
- Bioinformatics Program Department of Bioinformatics Homepage
- Canvas Canvas Login Page for Northeastern University
- Northeastern University Library Northeastern University Library Homepage
- Writing Center Northeaster University Writing Center Homepage
Using Pivot
Pivot is a comprehensive database that users may search for:
- funding opportunities, such as grants, fellowships, prizes, other types of funding within a broad range of disciplines.
- collaborating and publishing opportunities by viewing matching faculty from inside or outside Northeastern University.
Check out the Pivot YouTube channel for training on other topics or contact the library for additional help.
Use the Pivot search box below to start finding funding opportunities for you!