Notes on Reading Academic Papers with Free AI Tools

Introduction

• Reading academic papers can be challenging and expensive due to subscription fees for AI tools.
• Many tools offer high monthly fees, making them less accessible.

Overview of Paid AI Tools

• Open Reads: $5/month
• Chat PDF: $30.99/month
• Humata: $99 - $199/month
• Lateral: €999/month
• Paper Brain: $20/month for 50 credits
• Explain Paper: Free with limited features

Two Recommended Free Tools

1. SI Space

• Features:
  • Literature review
  • Data extraction from PDFs
  • AI co-pilot for reading and summarization
  • Paraphrasing options
• How to Use:
  • Upload PDFs to extract summaries, conclusions, etc.
  • Use the co-pilot feature to ask questions and get explanations on highlighted text.

2. Explain Paper

• Features:
  • Unlimited explanations of highlighted sections
  • Adjust explanations for different comprehension levels (e.g., middle school, high school, undergraduate)
• How to Use:
  • Upload papers and highlight sections for simplified explanations.

Tips for Reading Papers

• Start with the Abstract:
  • Always read the abstract first to gauge understanding.
• Skim the Paper:
  • Highlight areas of confusion while skimming.
• Use AI Tools:
  • Ask for summaries or explanations of highlighted text for better comprehension.

Advantages of Using Free AI Tools

• Save time and effort in reading and understanding academic papers.
• Access to simplified explanations helps in grasping complex topics.
• Interactive features allow users to engage with the content more effectively.

Conclusion

• Utilizing these two free tools can significantly enhance the reading experience of academic papers without incurring costs.
• For further learning and resources, check the effus Academia course for updates and additional materials.