Hi, all. The software company I work for (Dekstrus) has just released a piece of software (called the DNE), which is a very powerful research tool. Its primary use is to organize your information and work in maps rather than lists. Map out the paper you are going to write, and then attach the supporting documentation exactly where it belongs on the map, to keep everything in context. It also has many other features, all designed to give you lots of strategies to gather, organize and use information.
We have a special program where people can get the software free (sort of: we want to build up a knowledge base of maps on various topics, and want to give the software away to people who want to give us maps in return).
I think the tool is ideal for academics, which is why I'm posting about it here. For more information on the application, and how to get it free, click here. There are lots of videos and screen shots on the site, so you can see if the application would be useful for you.