Dryad Offers API Access to Scientific Data Underlying Scientific Publications

"DataDryad.org constitutes a general purpose repository of the data underlying scientific publications. DataDryad’s entire repository is discoverable through the Dryad DataONE API. The scientific and medical data of which the database is composed includes tables, spreadsheets, flatfiles, and more from peer-reviewed published papers. Dryad is part of a nonprofit organization aimed at developing a joint data archiving policy (JDAP) for publications across scientific communities. Today, Dryad has grown in participating publications, research institutions, and third party scientific repositories that share data between each other. For instance, Dryad announced earlier this year integration with Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical, and medical products and services.  The API uses REST protocol and returns calls in an XML data format. All Dryad data files are accessible via the API, except for those going through a temporary embargo period. For more information, visit the API wiki site.

Open access to data has shown to stir innovation, discovery, and controversy. DataDryad sits at the crossroads of this ongoing conversation. Dryad’s community has grown significantly over the year, and boasts of successful annual events that further its purpose. Although Dryad will start charging nominally for its services, the organization remains dedicated to broader access to data."