Springer launches 18,000 searchable online protocols in life sciences and biomedicine

Feb 28 2008

Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com) has announced the release of Springer Protocols, a protocol database of more than 18,000 searchable online protocols in life sciences and biomedicine.

The protocols provide step-by-step “ recipes, ” that can be executed in a controlled laboratory environment. Springer Protocols is a subscription product published under the Humana Press imprint, and can be found at www.springerprotocols.com.

Used primarily in the life sciences, protocols provide individual sets of instructions that allow scientists to recreate experiments in their own laboratory. These documents provide instructions for the design and implementation of experiments that include the safety bias, procedural equipment, statistical methods, reporting and troubleshooting standards for the experiment.

The Protocols are organized into 15 subject collections: Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Cancer Research, Cell Biology, Genetics/Genomics, Imaging/Radiology, Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, Molecular Medicine, Neuroscience, Pharmacology/Toxicology, Plant Sciences and Protein Science. Springer Protocols leverage 25 years of protocols content compiled by Humana Press and formerly marketed as “ BioMed Protocols ” . BioMed Protocols form the basis of Springer Protocols, but the new product includes not only much more content, but also new technological developments and many additional features. Each year, over 2,000 Springer protocols, of which 1,000 are updates of existing protocols, will be loaded.

As with other Springer e-products, no special software is needed and there is no limit to concurrent user access within an institution to subscribed content. All content is accessible using an Internet browser and Adobe Reader.

“ Springer Protocols showcase our continuing effort to offer the highest value to our subscribers as we continue to expand and improve upon our digital offering in the STM publishing world, ” said Ray Col ó n, General Manager Humana Press. “ Springer Protocols provides users with a wealth of information that is easy to access via the Internet or other library search tools, and with many features that allow users to share their comments with others and keep track of new items. ”

"Humana Press ' BioMedProtocols was previously the largest collection of protocols available. Because of the investments made recently by Springer, Springer Protocols not only contain more content, they also benefit from the experience and technical expertise Springer has gained with its other eProducts, such as SpringerLink and eBooks. The Springer name is one that is recognized and respected by a global audience, and Springer Protocols will undoubtedly become a leading product in the laboratory environment," said Professor John Walker, founder of BioMed Protocols, and Head of the Springer Protocols Executive Board.

Additional information at: www.springer.com/protocols, or by e-mailing [email protected].

About Springer:

Springer Science+Business Media ( www.springer.com) is one of the world ' s leading suppliers of scientific and specialist literature. It is the second-largest publisher of journals in the science, technology, and medicine (STM) sector, the largest publisher of STM books and the largest business-to-business publisher in the German-language area. The group publishes over 1,700 journals and more than 5,500 new books a year, as well as the largest STM eBook Collection worldwide. Springer has operations in about 20 countries in Europe, the USA, and Asia, and some 5,000 employees. Humana Press is a part of Springer Science+Business Media.