April 15, 2006 (Vol. 26, No. 8)

URL:
http://www.bioforge.net/forge/index.jspa

Rating:
Strong Points: Search engine
Weak Points: Not complete, poor for casual browser

Summary:
BioForge springs to mind when thinking of confusing sites. If you´re like me, you´ll spend considerable time figuring this one out. The language on the opening page is of little help. Start with its self description as an “Internet-based distributive community, based around a platform of tools to allow scientists in diverse locations to work together with each other, and with those who can apply and use their research.“ Clear as mud? How about “BioForge is a means to create a dynamic protected commons of new enabling technologies, available to everyone for improvement and to use in new innovations, both commercial and noncommercial.“ Talk about written by a committee! What BioForge does is facilitate interactions among scientists through its forums and attempt to cut through the confusing mishmash of patents that threaten to strangle innovation in biotechnology. Now, was that so hard to say?

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