THE INTERNET AND THE NUTRITIONAL SCIENTIST

The Internet provides many opportunities to learn, to educate, and to communicate new ideas. This article introduces concepts and terms that will facilitate the use of electronic information media by nutritiona l scientists. A vast array of sites on the Internet are relevant to th e nutritional scientist, including those developed by government, indu stry, and educational sources, professional societies, and individuals . Using the wide variety of electronic sources that make up the Intern et in an efficient and effective manner is an important skill not only for locating specific information, but also for keeping abreast of no vel developments and new concepts as they are introduced and discussed . Uncritical acceptance of information appearing in the electronic med ia, however, is problematic; electronic publishing may occur without t he rigorous peer-review process common for publishing in scientific jo urnals. Those intending to publish material electronically must accept responsibility for the veracity of the information, realizing that an yone, from the lay consumer to the professional, may have access to th at information. The Internet and its electronic relatives (eg, the Wor ld Wide Web and newsgroups) can become invaluable tools for nutritiona l scientists, extending beyond traditional sources of information (eg, the library) to support research and educational efforts, but use of this new technology must be tempered with knowledge of its limitations as well as potentials.