Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a system in which a file of computer code is used to allow users to be updated about new content on a Web site and, if they wish, to automatically post that content on their own sites. RSS feeds are viewed and organized through an RSS "aggregator" or "reader," which usually displays headlines and summaries of content. Many readers are available for free; see the right-hand column for a list. (Note: NYAS does not endorse any particular reader.)

By installing an RSS reader on your computer or by opting for a Web-based reader, you will be able to add a feed manually from our RSS feed menu. Simply click on the orange button next to the feed, or copy and paste the URL into your reader. Once added to your menu, the RSS feed automatically retrieves updates from our Web site and you can see new headlines on your site a soon as they are posted to the nyas.org site.

When posting a NYAS RSS feed on your Web site, you agree to fully, properly, and prominently credit "The New York Academy of Sciences" as the source of this content. You agree that you will not alter the feed content in any way. Use of any NYAS RSS feeds does not imply any official or unofficial relationship between the New York Academy of Sciences and the user of the feed, nor does it constitute any endorsement of the Web site or blog by the Academy, unless specifically indicated. NYAS reserves the right to require another Web site to cease distributing NYAS content or to require an individual or entity to stop using any of our RSS feeds if, in our opinion, you are using them improperly.

Podcasts are audio programs, sometimes accompanied by images, slides, or video, that you can listen to at your convenience on your computer or download to a portable digital music player (an MP3 player, like an iPod). You can use special software to "subscribe" so that new podcasts are automatically downloaded when they become available.

Podcasting offers a way to automatically download and broadcast an audio file through the Internet via an automatic RSS feed, and play it at your convenience, on your computer, iPod, or other MP3 player. By subscribing to a podcast you will receive new audio features automatically whenever they are published.

An enhanced podcast offers chapter marks, images, or links to view while you listen. Enhanced podcasts can be viewed on your computer in iTunes or Quicktime, or an iPod with video capabilities. To take advantage of all the features of an enhanced podcast, subscribe for free via iTunes.

To subscribe to podcasts, you will need to install subscription software. See the box at the right for suggestions. (Note: NYAS does not endorse any particular podcast subscription software.)