The National Science Foundation, the San Diego Supercomputer Center, and the Public Library of Science have launched a video-sharing site for research papers.

Dubbed SciVee, the so-called YouTube for science site features research papers and accompanying video in which authors can explain their work in simple terms that laymen and peers can understand. The new video-sharing site, created by and for scientists, presents a platform where researchers and lecturers can produce multimedia presentations of their work.

The site allows researchers to upload presentations -- including podcasts, video, written material, and profiles -- for free. Other scientists can view the presentations and papers, as well as discuss the material with the authors and each other. Users can subscribe to particular channels and contribute to the evolution of the site itself.

"SciVee also facilitates the creation of communities around specific articles and keywords," the Web site operators explain on their site. "Use this medium to meet peers and future collaborators that share your particular research interests."

The site offers technical tips for producing video and includes recommendations to keep them to 10 minutes or less. It applies the Creative Commons license to all video uploaded to the site. It contains an indemnification clause. SciVee requires users to agree to terms and conditions, including verification that the content does not violate copyrights. Users must agree to have their content copied, distributed, and displayed.

Other users are allowed to create derivative works and distribute those, only under licenses identical to those that cover the original work. Those who use content from the site are required to credit the original creators.