NIF Data Federation

The NIF Data Federation provides the ability to drill down into individual databases and data sets and return relevant content.  This type of content, part of the so called “hidden Web,” is typically not indexed by existing web search engines.

In order for NIF to directly query these independently maintained databases and datasets, database providers must register their database or dataset with the NIF Data Federation and specify permissions. Learn more about registering your resource.

NIF simultaneously queries all the federated databases and datasets through its search interface. The results are displayed under the Data Federation tab and are categorized by data type and nervous system level.  In this way, users can easily step through the content of multiple resources, all from the same interface.

Each federated resource individually displays their query results with links back to the relevant datasets within the host resource. This allows users to take advantage of additional views on the data and tools that are available through the host database. The NIF site provides tutorials for each resource, indicated by the "Professor Icon" showing users how to navigate the results page once directed there through the NIF. Additionally, query results may be exported as an Excel document.

Note: NIF is not responsible for the availability or content of these external sites, nor does NIF endorse, warrant or guarantee the products, services or information described or offered at these external sites.

 

The current NIF database federation consists of 44 databases:

1. Addgene: Online database of plasmids to sell and distribute
2. Aging Gene Database: Database of genes and interventions linked to aging
3. Allen Brain Atlas: Gene expression data
4. BAMS: Brain region atlas structure and hierarchy
5. BAMS Connections: Brain connectivity atlas structure and hierarchy
6. BMI Platform: Digital archive of BMI (Brain Machine Interfaces)-related experimental data, mathematical models, and tools generated in neuroscience, computational theory, and robotics
7. BrainInfo:  General information about brain structures
8. BrainMaps: Interactive online atlas of multiresolution scanned images with information on brain structure and function
9. Brede: Database of functional neuroimaging scientific articles with Talairach coordinates
10. Cell Centered Database: Microscopy datasets from light and electron microscopy
11. Cerebellar Platform: Digital archive of mini-reviews, papers, and mathematical models for cerebellar research
12. Chemoreceptors: ORDB database of chemosensory receptors and associated information
13. ClinicalTrials.gov: Online database of both recruiting and completed clinical trials
14. ConnectomeWIKI: Knowledge base for macro- and mesoscale brain region and brain connectivity information across species
15. CRCNS datasets:  Datasets available to the modeling community through the CRCNS program
16. Drugbank:  Information on drugs
17. ExactAntigen: Antibody provider
18. Gemma: Online database and software system for the meta-analysis of gene expression data
19. GeneNetwork: Large array of linked resources and analysis tools for system genetics
20. GENSAT:  Imaging and gene expression data from BAC transgenic mice
21. Grants:  Grant information on public and private foundations provided by Research Crossroads
22. HomoloGene: Online system for automated detection of homologs among the annotated genes
23. IBVD: Online database of brain neuroanatomic volumetric observations
24. IMSR: Online database of mouse strains and stocks
25. Ki: Datasbase of Ki (affinity) values and related papers
26. MGI:  Comprehensive collection of genomic and associated data on mouse strains
27. MichiganAtlas: Human brain atlas with matching cell stained and MRI sections
28. Microarray Consortium: Online database of publicly available microarray data sets
29. ModelDB: Database of downloadable neuroscience-related models
30. Neurodatabase: Electrophysiological data of mainly single and multiple unit activity experiments 
31. Neurofed: Contact information for federal employees at NIH, NSF, and military institutes involved in funding neuroscience research.
32. NeuroMab:  Monoclonal antibody provider
33. NeuroMorpho.org: Neuronal reconstructions
34. NeuronDB:  Cellular properties of major neuronal classes
35. NIH RePORTER: Online database of funded grants from NIH institutes.
36. NINDS: List of neurological diseases and disorders
37. NITRC tool registry:  Software tools for neuroimaging
38. OASIS/XNAT: Set of human MRI images of different ages, clinical dementia ratings, and handedness
39. OdorMapDB: Database of brain activation foci within the olfactory bulb
40. Rat Genome Database:  Database of genetic information, including functional data, disease data, expression data and chromosome location data
41. SUMSDB:  Brain activation foci from published studies
42. T3DB: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB) is a unique bioinformatics resource that combines detailed toxin data with comprehensive toxin target information
43. Visiome Platform: Digital archive of mathematical models, experimental stimuli, experimental data, and analytical tools for vision science
44. WikiPathways: An open, collaborative platform dedicated to the curation of biological pathways.

Registering a database to the NIF

If you are a database provider and would like to make your database available through the NIF, we are happy to work with you.  The NIF data federation tools are designed to be easy to use and require minimal effort from the database provider.  Through its level 2 and level 3 tools, NIF can work with many types of data resources, regardless of underlying technology.  For more information on Resource Levels, see Registering a Resource to NIF.  If you have a data set that you would like to see registered, please email curation@neuinfo.org.