Image by Rossana Henriques

As I looked down on my sheet, there was more of my handwriting on it than computer text. For weeks, I had slaved over the protocol only to realize that I was missing crucial elements for the experiment. I had become lost in a world of nebulous descriptions and tiny nuances. Unfortunately, my situation is far from the exception. At times, protocols found in laboratory notebooks more closely resemble streams of consciousness than meticulous outlines. Even a well-written protocol does not guarantee success. To effectively replicate an experiment, you often need a certain amount of finesse, or technical prowess. The subtleties associated with many protocols can only be learned by watching an experienced researcher.

Today, several Web sites are hoping to improve the success rate (and spirits) of bench scientists around the world. The overall goal is to provide researchers with free access to video tutorials for experiments and data analysis. A couple of sites take the idea a step further. They aim to create online communities for scientists to not only exchange protocols, but also watch science-oriented content produced by their peers. The hope is to fill those long incubation periods with a bit of entertainment. Below, I break down the top three contenders. Ready, set, click!

JoVe: www.jove.com

The Journal of Visualized Experiments joins the ranks of other traditional journals that seek to publish methodologies. This publication exists entirely on the Internet, however, in the form of a video database. Researchers are invited to submit short videos electronically. Each month, the editorial team at JoVe reviews the submissions and selects various protocols for the upcoming issue. Users can search through the archives to find a diverse range of protocols. The videos are divided into clearly marked sections allowing the viewer to skip to the most pertinent material. Most videos are accompanied by an abstract, a written protocol, and a list of reagents. Below each entry, the journal provides an area for users to pose questions or comment on the details of the procedure.

In addition, the editors also invite leaders in various fields to participate in video interviews. Similar to a traditional review article, the interviews are meant to provide a global view of the field of each guest speaker. The entire archive may be accessed for free. The business model of this start-up company relies on revenue from banner ads and sponsorship from companies looking to include product videos in the growing database. Overall, it is an excellent resource for scientists who wish to explore this new medium without sacrificing the familiarity of a traditional journal. Be warned! Many of the animal protocols are not for the squeamish.

SciVee: www.scivee.tv

SciVee is an open-access video database maintained by the Public Library of Science (PLoS), the National Science Foundation, and the San Diego Supercomputer Center. This free Web site is geared towards user-generated content from all individuals interested in science. Overall, the database is divided into two main categories: pubcasts and videos. The pubcasts consist of short videos (10 minutes or less) on a recent journal publication. The authors of the paper walk the audience through the highlights of their work with the aid of the graphics from their publication. The goal is to draw attention to the paper and disseminate the information to a wider audience. The video is usually displayed next to the actual text from the publication. There are also links available to download an audio file (MP3) for each pubcast. Most of these presentations are technical in nature, but accessible to scientists in any field.

Under the video category, there are lots of interesting items to explore, from short documentaries to interviews and theatrical pieces. The database incorporates a wide array of science-oriented content uploaded by the users. For example, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography has added their video podcasts to SciVee. These high-quality videos explore various aspects related to the aquatic environment, including the ecology of coral reefs. The American Society for Microbiology has also added their podcast Microbe World. One interesting video discusses a theatrical production based on the 1926 book Microbe Hunters by Paul De Kruif. For lighter entertainment, you can browse the various comedy videos, including Steve the Biology T.A. In addition to these cultural gems, you can also find protocols and tutorials on the database. From the basics of the Ruby programming language to a symposium on personalized medicine, SciVee offers diverse content for any science-savvy user.

LabAction: www.labaction.com

LabAction is the video database that is most similar to YouTube. Users can log on and upload their videos related to scientific research. The Web site provides a simple interface that allows the audience to easily browse the video archive. You can also create a free account, which enables you to bookmark your favorite videos. The database not only includes video protocols, but also detailed computer animations to illustrate biological events, such as the process of childbirth. The quality of the animations varies widely, but there are some good examples. In addition, tutorials are available for computer programming and web-based data analysis, such as BLAST. Overall, this Web site offers a limited repertoire of videos presented in a straightforward manner.