biorxiv-database

Search bioRxiv preprints by keywords, authors, dates, and categories.

1|Updated Mar 11, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/SciMate-AI/scicli --skill biorxiv-database-scimate-ai
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: biorxiv-database
Source: https://github.com/SciMate-AI/scicli/tree/main/internal/skills/bundled/claude-scientific-skills/skills/biorxiv-database
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/SciMate-AI/scicli --skill biorxiv-database-scimate-ai

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires requests, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill enables researchers to quickly locate, filter, and retrieve metadata for bioRxiv preprints, dramatically reducing manual literature search time.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Keyword and author searches across titles and abstracts, with optional category filtering
  • Date-range based queries to track recent research and literature trends
  • Retrieval of structured metadata (title, authors, date, doi, category, abstract) and direct PDF downloads
  • Use Case: A reviewer needs all recent CRISPR-related preprints from the last year and wants a JSON export for citation management.

Quick Start

Run a keyword search for "CRISPR" in the last year and export the results as a JSON file.

Frequently Asked Questions about biorxiv-database

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I search bioRxiv preprints by keyword, author, and date range?

Search bioRxiv preprints by providing keywords, authors, date ranges, and categories to the bioRxiv API. The skill returns structured metadata including titles, authors, dates, and abstracts for matching life sciences literature.

Can I filter bioRxiv literature searches by specific life science categories?

Yes, you can filter bioRxiv literature searches using optional category parameters. This restricts results to specific life science fields and returns structured metadata like DOI, title, authors, date, abstract, and PDF URL.

How do I retrieve PDF download links and structured metadata from bioRxiv?

Retrieve PDF download links and structured metadata by querying the bioRxiv API with search terms. The skill outputs fields such as DOI, title, authors, date, abstract, and direct pdf_url for each matching preprint.

What is the best way to export bioRxiv preprint metadata for citation management?

The best way to export bioRxiv preprint metadata for citation management is to run a keyword or author search and save the structured JSON output. This includes DOI, title, authors, date, and abstract fields.

Do I need an API key or special access to search bioRxiv preprints with Python?

You need access to the bioRxiv API and the Python requests library to search preprints. The skill uses requests to query the API and retrieve structured metadata without requiring complex manual setup.

Can I track recent research trends in life sciences using bioRxiv date-range queries?

Yes, you can track recent research trends using bioRxiv date-range queries. By specifying start and end dates, the skill retrieves recent preprint metadata for literature reviews and trend analysis across life sciences.