What’s (app)ening?
This month, we take a look at some of your favorite research apps. Want to suggest an app for What’s (app)ening? Email afrawley@ufl.edu.
Devices: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
Cost: Free
LabCal is an app that allows users to calculate molarities, convert grams into moles and work out dilutions of stock solutions. When converting a solution, the app tells how many grams of a compound to measure out. “I like it because I can input my knowns and get an answer without worrying about incorrect calculations,” said Heather Brown, a doctoral student in biomedical sciences with a concentration in immunology and microbiology. “It’s so easy our undergrads can use it, and I don’t have to worry about their calculations.”
PubMed On Tap by ReferencesOnTap
Devices: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
Cost: $2.99
PubMed On Tap allows users to search PubMed for scientific articles anywhere. The app enables users to find reference information easily. “The best feature is that it can remember ‘EZProxy settings’ on campus, essentially providing full access to UF-licensed scientific articles,” said Mukundh Balasubramanian, a doctoral student in biomedical sciences with a concentration in biochemistry and molecular biology. Balasubramanian said it’s great because if he’s talking to a colleague about a certain topic and no computer is nearby, he can use the app to pull up a scientific article no matter where he is on campus.
RealCalc Scientific Calculator by Quartic Software
Devices: Android
Cost: Free
RealCalc gives users the full functionality of a scientific calculator on their phone. It looks and works just like an actual calculator. The app has all the functions of a regular calculator, including exponents, logarithms and unit conversions. It’s great for science and very easy to use, said Levi Watson, a doctoral student in biomedical sciences with a concentration in genetics. “It’s great to have that functionality at all times without carrying an additional device,” he said.