LibGuides: BIO156: Introductory Biology for Allied Health (Neuenfeldt): Websites

Tips to Selecting Quality Web Sources

Searching the web for medical information can be tricky becasue of the abundance of not-so-good sources of information. Find the good stuff! Look for sites that have the following qualities:

1: Reviewed by Others: Another reputable person or agency (library, journal, organization) has reviewd the website and determined that it is valuable.

2: Hosted by a Reputable Source: Such as a government agency or prominent research institution/university/college.

3: Gives References: Where did their information come from? They should cite it!

Check out the Stop! Evaluate Websites Before Use guide for more tips and tricks on evaluating websites.

Recommended Websites

Medline Plus
Web site provides information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues for patients and their families and friends.
- Use "Health Topics" or "Medical Encyclopedia"
- Under "Health Topics" search for "Genetic/Birth Defects"
ClinicalTrials.gov
Find current clinical trials for specific diseases and conditions.
Merck Manual Professional Edition
Use Search box to search genetic disorder. Contains information on diagnosing and treating disorders.
Sample citation:
Revankar SG, Sobel JD. 2014 Jan. Infectious diseases: fungi: sporotrichosis. In: The Merck manual professional edition. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co.; [accessed 2015 Sep 1]. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
This resource covers human genes and genetic phenotypes - pretty advanced stuff, so best to know something about your disorder before heading here. Good resource to locate a chromosome map.
Sample citation:
Stumpf AM. 2013 Apr 18. Cystic fibrosis. In: OMIM, Online Mendelian inheritance in man. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University; [accessed 2015 Mar 28]. http://omim.org/entry/219700.

In-text
(Stumpf 2013)

NOTE: images from OMIM will typically not display any author/creator, so simply cite OMIM as your source.
more...less...
Alternative URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/omim

Other Suggested Web Sources

AZ Department of Health and Services
"Operates programs in behavioral health, disease prevention and control, health promotion, community public health...(etc.)" View data and statistics reports and disease reporting segments o the site.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
One of the major organizations under the federal government health and Human Services Department. Their mission includes health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats. Use the A-Z Index.
DNA Interactive
Go to the Genome section and click the Tour button. Use “Genome Spots” to identify individual genes associated with certain genetic disorders. Also, from the homepage, click on “Your Genes, Your Health” (link at bottom) for a multimedia guide to select genetic disorders.
Ensembl Genome Bowser
"The Ensembl project produces genome databases for vertebrates and other eukaryotic species, and makes this information freely available online."
Genome Programs of the U.S. Department of Energy
The Genomic Science Program uses microbial and plant genomic data, high-throughput analytical technologies, and modeling and simulation to develop a predictive understanding of biological systems behavior relevant to solving energy and environmental challenges including bioenergy production, environmental remediation, and climate stabilization.
Learn.Genetics: Genetics Science Learning Center
“Educational materials on genetics, bioscience and health topics for students, teachers and members of the public.” Sponsored by the University of Utah.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research: Diseases & Conditions
Comprehensive guides on hundreds of conditions.
Sample citation:
Harms RW. 2007. Diseases and conditions: hemophilia. Scottsdale: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [accessed 2015 Feb 5]. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hemophilia/DS00218#.
National Center for Biotechnology Information
The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)
Much of their work focuses on protecting people who are especially vulnerable to health risks - babies, children, people with blood disorders, and people with disabilities.
Sample citation:
Single gene disorders and disability. 2006. Atlanta: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities; [accessed 2014 Oct 11]. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/single_gene/fragilex.htm.
National Human Genome Research Institute
Use the "Health" tab > Genetics and Genomics for Patients and the Public > Genetic Disorders, Genomics and Healthcare > Specific Genetic Disorders
Sample citation:
Learning about fragile X syndrome. 2007 Oct 11. Bethesda (MD): National Human Genome Research Institute; [accessed 2015 Feb 5]. http://www.genome.gov/19518828.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Conducts, fosters, coordinates, and guides research on the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological disorders and stroke, and supports basic research in related scientific areas.
Sample citation:
NINDS Tay-Sachs disease information page. 2011 Oct 6. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; [accessed 2014 Oct 8]. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/taysachs/taysachs.htm.
National Office of Public Health Genomics
The Office of Public Health Genomics (OPHG) promotes the integration of genomics into public health research, policy, and practice to prevent disease and improve the health of all people.