Www.science.gov describes itself as “a gateway to authoritative selected science information provided by U.S. Government agencies, including research and development results.”

The new Web portal provides free access to science-related reports, databases and other information from the federal government. It links to information from more than a dozen federal science and technology organizations.

Users can search the entire multiple-agency database by subject. The site does not connect to sites that are password-protected or otherwise restricted.

“Science.gov contains reliable information resources selected by the respective agencies as their best science information,” the website says. “Two major types of information are included—selected authoritative science Web sites and databases of technical reports, journal articles, conference proceedings, and other published materials.”

The information covers topics ranging from agriculture and food to science education.