September 15, 2006 (Vol. 26, No. 16)

URL:
http://www.iuphar-db.org

Rating:
Strong Points: Databases
Weak Points: Uninspired in places

Summary:
Imagine a site on receptor information and drug classification supported by UNESCO, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, and others. What does it look like? Flashy? Visually attractive? That’s what I would have guessed. So, I was disappointed at what I found at the rather vanilla IUPHAR Receptor Database site. The opening page has no graphics, per se, and the monotony is broken only by mixing red with black text. There is much to like here, however, so these complaints should not detract from the information available. There is a G-protein Coupled Receptor database, an extensive 7TM receptor list, an Ion Channels Compendium of references (with PDFs and full text options), and a section devoted to news. The news section is the only one that seemed to be lacking, in that it was a list of references, some dating to 2005. On the whole, I liked what I saw but wish it was put together a little better.

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