These sites are useful for looking up specific information on the web, whether it's a patent, details about a company, scientific reference information, or a word on an online dictonary. InterNIC's Directory about everyting on the internet. As official as it gets. However, these sites do not usually post information that is embargoed for release. Journals have email distribution lists for this information.
Some journals also make embargoed information available.
Listservs are electronic mailing lists that usually cater to a particular group of people with a common interest. News groups are freewheeling discussions. Ordinary web denizens contribute to these conversations, so you must always consider the source of the information contained in these discussions. But sometimes they provide useful news tips. There are thousands of discussion groups on the web.