ABSTRACT
In recent years, progress in tools, concepts, and model systems in the neurosciences have not just been moving rapidly, but in fact at an accelerating pace. As a result, data are accumulating at rates far exceeding a scientist’s normal ability to organize and recall. This trend in neuroscience informational overload continues today (Bloom, 1995; Bloom & Young, 1994). It is more difficult than ever to keep an ongoing and comprehensive overview of the scientific literature in any specialized discipline of the neurosciences. In fact, scientists now are beginning to recognize their loss of a broad awareness of new discoveries as they strive to retain their indepth awareness at best in only the most narrowly defined of fields. New enabling technologies, such as electronic communications, are part of the reason for the huge increase in scientific data. Computers, networks, the Web, electronic mail (e-mail), intelligent software, and software agents are making it easier than ever to transmit and receive data and information. However, if the present situation of informational overload is to be solved, it is these same enabling technologies that will have to provide the solution.
