ExPASy Molecular Biology Server - The ExPASy (Expert Protein Analysis System) is a proteomics server from the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB). It provides dedicated links, databases and other resources for those involved in the analysis of protein sequences and structures. The site is incredibly busy and so is mirrored in Switzerland, Australia, Canada, China, Korea, Taiwan and the USA. Obviously, it's usually best to pick a server near you. The site connects users direct to the SWISS-PROT and TrEMBL - Protein knowledgebase, PROSITE - Protein families and domains, the SWISS-2DPAGE of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the ENZYME nomenclature database and others. There are also several tools for the post-genomic biologist for identification and characterization, DNA to Protein Similarity searches, Pattern and profile searches, Post-translational modification prediction, Primary structure analysis, Secondary structure prediction, Tertiary structure, Transmembrane regions detection, Alignment Biological text analysis. Most established scientists in the field will be well aware of Expasy but for students and those just starting out as well as scientist in other and related fields this is the entry point for bioinformatics, although the level of detail possible is not for the faint hearted nor the casual surfer. Rating: 8 out of 10 (20 September 2002) DB
http://us.expasy.org/
The Scientist - As the online resource for the printed magazine, The Scientist provides access to information useful to those working in or studying the life sciences. Each issue, published fortnightly, provides research, news, commentary, professional assistance, laboratory product reviews and laboratory technique descriptions. As an additional service, the site also provides a job listing page, complete with searching capabilities, job descriptions and full company contact information. The menu navigation provides easy access to the features, and the archives include articles back into the 1980s. From every page, you can quickly and easily email the article or product review to colleagues or laboratory staff. The resources section provides more tools for professional growth, including conference announcements, funding opportunities, and lab supply resources. Although the content is free, you are required to register the first time you use the site, and must type your email address to access individual pages, which can get annoying. If you are a life science professional and you donšt current receive The Scientist, sign up for a free subscription while you are here. Rating: 9 out of 10 (23 February 2002) CK
http://www.the-scientist.com/
BioMedia: Learning programs for biology - A collaboration between teachers, biologists, and filmmakers, this site offers educational materials for use in classrooms. Selections from these products are shown, and it is a tasty, colorful, and well laid-out sampler. Animations are used sparingly, and enhance rather than detract. Space is devoted to the diversity in eye formation, and fans of rotifers will find those whirly creatures featured in another section. There are contests (open to high school students and their instructors)with vaguely sinister organisms, and an archive of mystery quizzes involving forehead mites and other exotic lifeforms. Educators are offered free downloads, movies, and annotated web link sets for class enrichment. Rating: 7 out of 10 (9 January 2002) AD
http://ebiomedia.com/
Access Excellence - Designed for high school biology and life science teachers, this site forms part of the US National Health Museum's educational program, supported by the biotechnology company Genentech. The news section is updated regularly, with October's issue being devoted to anthrax. Among the many, well-researched teaching activities is an interactive mystery, which is fun to do, but quite frustrating if you get the wrong answers, as you have to go right back to the beginning to continue. There's a teacher's lounge discussion area with message boards covering every aspect of biology education, although it's not easy to browse the most recent postings. The visual library is full of good material, such as x-rays of the human skeleton, virtual experiments, and ideas for field trips. There's also a special section for students. An extremely comprehensive resource centre with eye-catching images and useful links. (29 November 2001) JAS
http://www.accessexcellence.org/
An On-Line Biology Book - "The On-Line Biology Book" may not be the most attractive site by modern standards, but this fact pales in significance when one surveys its commendable content. With a selection of eye catching lessons, this site the genuine article regarding what it promises. The text materials are modified lecture outlines developed over many years of teaching college-level introductory biology. The illustrations are excellent and offer an example of how well pictures can work for science content on the web (even if some are large and download slowly - webifying these images would be a recommendation). The chapters offered cover an impressive (if not exhaustive) range of areas in biology including plant and animal Systematics, Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics and with a healthy amount of focus on Population Biology, Paleobiology and Biological Diversity. Hyperlinking content is well practiced, including links to a glossary which should perhaps be expanded. In short, what's available here is reasonably detailed content as a useful resource for all levels of interest. (18 November 2001) DM
http://gened.emc.maricopa.edu/bio/bio181/BIOB...
