US: Twitter for scientists launched online

A scientific version of popular social-networking site Twitter has been launched. Called 'Sciencefeed', its owners describe it as a "real time micro-blogging tool designed for scientists".

The aim is to speed up international scientific debate, with rapid-fire exchanges of thought between informed academics. Where Twitter users may comment on the latest fashions or habits of their dog, Sciencefeed users are supposed to blog about cutting edge research discoveries.

"The world wide web was originally developed to spread research results easier and faster: I think with Sciencefeed we are giving something from the old meaning back to the web." says Dr Ijad Madisch, founding member and CEO of Sciencefeed.

"There are so many scientific resources that are available to scientists and through services such as Sciencefeed, scientists can be connected and spread the knowledge in real time."

The Cambridge Massachusetts-based Sciencefeed will enable users to post ideas, feedbacks, reactions and resources. As with Twitter, they will be able to 'follow' other users and monitor their posts, respond to their entries, and comment on topics in real -time.

A communiqué from the service says: "This kind of instant back-and-forth will produce spontaneous, dynamic exchange that used to only be possible in a face to face environment."

It adds that one benefit of Sciencefeed is that the exchange is not required to be immediate: "Unlike instant-messaging services, users do not have to be online simultaneously to work together or stay updated. By following the postings of certain individuals, or within specific networks or groups, users can stay up-to-date on developments, quickly filter information according to their interests, and organise their resources."

In this way, says Sciencefeed, scientists can manage their resources and information: "Sciencefeed postings offer a condensed overview that can help researchers know what they need to know and not waste time on things they don`t," adds the communiqué.

Sciencefeed will be compatible with other social media platforms, so users can share their posts with their contacts and friends on Twitter, Facebook and FriendFeed and other similar services without having to log-off from Sciencefeed. Simlarly, existing Twitter, Facebook or FriendFeed users will be able to access Sciencefeed without having to open a new account with this special social networking service for scientists.

Madisch adds: "Sciencefeed is science - as it happens. We hope that it will become a bridge between online scientific networking platforms, scientific databases, and the wider online science world and enable scientists to conduct breakthrough research."

keith.nuthall@uw-news.com