By Charles Parker and Gali Halevi
Microbial taxonomy is a dynamic field, dependent on accurate, consistent, and accessible data. For researchers in microbiology, having reliable access to up-to-date information is essential for advancing our understanding of microbial life. The NamesforLife database has long been an invaluable resource, providing scientifically- curated, taxonomically accurate, and searchable data on microorganisms.
In December 2024, the NamesforLife taxonomic abstracts were triggered and made publicly available through CLOCKSS, ensuring that over 100,000 micro-publications and other critical microbiological resources remain accessible to researchers worldwide. Although the database is no longer actively updated, CLOCKSS now offers free access to its full content, making it a key resource for the scientific community.
Why NamesforLife Is Essential to the Microbiology Community
The NamesforLife database was a professionally curated resource that integrated taxonomic information with genomic data, strain references, and scientific literature, providing a cohesive and efficient platform for studying microbial diversity. The resource connects essential resources like GenBank, the Joint Genome Institute, Biological Resource Collections, and primary taxonomic literature. This integration simplifies research by enabling users to easily find and cross-reference data in one place.
A standout feature of NamesforLife was its curated nomenclature system, which ensured standardized, consistent naming of microorganisms. The database tracked the evolution of microbial names, from the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (1980) through September 2022. Additionally, NamesforLife maintained authoritative type strain references, which are critical reference points for defining and identifying microbial species.
The Value of Preserving NamesforLife with CLOCKSS
When NamesforLife ceased operations in 2022, it was transferred to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for preservation through CLOCKSS, ensuring its continued availability to the global scientific community. This long-term preservation is crucial as it guarantees ongoing access to this valuable resource, even though it will no longer be updated.
CLOCKSS ensures that the data remains accessible for years to come, offering stability for future research. The open-access nature of the CLOCKSS triggered content platform removes barriers to access, allowing researchers, educators, and institutions worldwide—regardless of location or funding—to benefit from the database. This fosters global collaboration, enabling scientists from developing countries and underfunded institutions to engage with high-quality, curated microbiological data.
A Stable Reference for the Future
Although NamesforLife is no longer updated, its preservation in CLOCKSS ensures that its data will remain a stable and reliable reference. This continued access provides a solid foundation for ongoing research in microbial taxonomy, even as the field evolves. Researchers can trust that the historical information provided here is an accurate and consistent reference.
Of particular note is that in addition to the web content, the original XML documents are now provided to the public for the first time, in order to facilitate retrieval and parsing for incorporation into existing and future resources. Other useful items available from the main page of the archive include a complete list of the NamesforLife DOIs, the complete set of XSD schemas for validating the XML, and the XSL files that were used for transforming the content into XHTML and the NamesforLife Guide menu format. An overview of the schemas is also provided.
The Legacy of NamesforLife
The preservation of NamesforLife through CLOCKSS is a significant achievement for the microbiology community. With its vast collection of 100,000+ micro-publications, historical taxonomic records, and integrated genomic data, NamesforLife has been an indispensable resource. By ensuring open access and long-term availability, CLOCKSS guarantees that NamesforLife will continue to play a vital role in advancing microbiological research.
About Lawrence Berkley National Lab: The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is a prominent research facility located in Berkeley, California, and is managed by the University of California. Established in 1931, it is one of the U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratories and is renowned for its scientific and technological advancements. LBNL is home to a wide range of scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, environmental science, materials science, and biotechnology. It is particularly known for its work in energy and climate research, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and clean technologies.