Science / Medicine : Computerized Medical Journal

The first computerized, peer-reviewed, scientific journal is set to begin publication in April in response to mounting pressure within medicine for faster release of research findings that could prolong or save lives.

The Online Journal of Current Clinical Trials will make research results available worldwide within 24 hours of peer review, eliminating the weeks or months often spent on typesetting, proofing, printing and delivering journals.

The new journal is expected to appeal primarily to academic medical researchers, drug company researchers and medical libraries. For $110 a year, subscribers will receive the software necessary to access the journal by computer.

The journal is a joint venture of the American Assn. for the Advancement of Science, which publishes the journal Science, and the Online Computer Library Center of Dublin, Ohio, which links 13,000 libraries in 46 countries.