# Pubmed Database

Direct REST API access to PubMed.

- Repository: https://github.com/dp-archive/archive (1107 stars)
- Category: Engineering
- License: Unknown
- Last updated: 2026-03-04
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add dp-archive/archive --skill pubmed-database -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add dp-archive/archive --skill pubmed-database -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add dp-archive/archive --skill pubmed-database -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add dp-archive/archive --skill pubmed-database -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Direct REST API access to PubMed. Advanced Boolean/MeSH queries, E-utilities API, batch processing, citation management. For Python workflows, prefer biopython (Bio.Entrez). Use this for direct HTTP/REST work or custom API implementations.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# PubMed Database

## Overview

PubMed is the U.S. National Library of Medicine's comprehensive database providing free access to MEDLINE and life sciences literature. Construct advanced queries with Boolean operators, MeSH terms, and field tags, access data programmatically via E-utilities API for systematic reviews and literature analysis.

## When to Use This Skill

This skill should be used when:
- Searching for biomedical or life sciences research articles
- Constructing complex search queries with Boolean operators, field tags, or MeSH terms
- Conducting systematic literature reviews or meta-analyses
- Accessing PubMed data programmatically via the E-utilities API
- Finding articles by specific criteria (author, journal, publication date, article type)
- Retrieving citation information, abstracts, or full-text articles
- Working with PMIDs (PubMed IDs) or DOIs
- Creating automated workflows for literature monitoring or data extraction

## Core Capabilities

### 1. Advanced Search Query Construction

Construct sophisticated PubMed queries using Boolean operators, field tags, and specialized syntax.

**Basic Search Strategies**:
- Combine concepts with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)
- Use field tags to limit searches to specific record parts
- Employ phrase searching with double quotes for exact matches
- Apply wildcards for term variations
- Use proximity searching for terms within specified distances

**Example Queries**:
```
# Recent systematic reviews on diabetes treatment
diabetes mellitus[mh] AND treatment[tiab] AND systematic review[pt] AND 2023:2024[dp]

# Clinical trials comparing two drugs
(metformin[nm] OR insulin[nm]) AND diabetes mellitus, type 2[mh] AND randomized controlled trial[pt]

# Author-specific research
smith ja[au] AND cancer[tiab] AND 2023[dp] AND english[la]
```

The rest: https://github.com/dp-archive/archive/blob/HEAD/seed_skills/pubmed-database/SKILL.md