Getting started: Finding Relevant Sources in Biotechnology
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) will allow you to limit your search to include only review articles or literature reviews.
For articles describing primary research using scientific methods, written by experts in the field or scientists, try these biomedical, biology and life sciences databases:
- 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.
- 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.
- For more information on searching PubMed, click here.
- Biosis Citation Index This link opens in a new windowCitations and abstracts to articles in life sciences and biomedical research covering pre-clinical and experimental research, methods and instrumentation, animal studies, and more. 1993 to present. Links to full text.
For additional databases relevant for biotechnology topics, click here.
Top 5 Things to Know for Biotechnology Students
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- NU Home Northeastern University Homepage
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- Biotechnology Program Department of Biotechnology Homepage
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