The document discusses electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and their benefits over traditional paper notebooks for biomedical research. An ELN is a software program that allows researchers to record lab notes online in a collaborative manner, enabling sharing of data and resources between lab members. ELNs help solve the challenges of coordinating different types of data generated by many researchers, and allow easy access to records from any location. The examples provided show how ELNs add structure to record keeping, enable customized sharing of information, and provide a familiar interface for streamlined communication and organization of research data.