Subject specific databases, or vortals (vertical portals), are databases that provide highly detailed research information on a particular topic. They are the smallest, most focused search tools on the Internet and, in recent years, they've been on the rise. Currently, more of the so-called "mainstream" search engines, subject directories, and portals are including these subject-specific databases in their "hit" responses. Why the noticeable increase? It's probably because subject-specific databases narrow the overwhelming results returned by their large, 'we-have-it-all' counterparts. If you've managed to find a few recent, relevant articles on your topic using a full-text subscription database, go the extra step and dig deeper with a subject-specific database. Ultimately, it will save you time and provide in-depth, authoritative, up-to-date information on a specific subject since these kinds of databases cover more journals pertinent to their respective subject areas than general indexes.