research-lookup

name	research-lookup
description	Look up current research information using parallel-cli search (primary, fast web search), the Parallel Chat API (deep research), or Perplexity sonar-pro-search (academic paper searches). Automatically routes queries to the best backend. Use for finding papers, gathering research data, and verifying scientific information. Note: query text is transmitted to api.parallel.ai (PARALLEL_API_KEY) and, for academic searches, to openrouter.ai (OPENROUTER_API_KEY).
allowed-tools	Read Write Edit Bash
license	MIT license
compatibility	parallel-cli required (primary); PARALLEL_API_KEY and OPENROUTER_API_KEY optional for deep/academic backends
required_environment_variables	[{"name":"PARALLEL_API_KEY","prompt":"Parallel web search API key.","required_for":"optional features"},{"name":"OPENROUTER_API_KEY","prompt":"OpenRouter API key (fallback model access).","required_for":"optional features"}]
metadata	{"version":"1.1","skill-author":"K-Dense Inc.","openclaw":{"primaryEnv":"PARALLEL_API_KEY","envVars":["[Truncated]","[Truncated]"]}}

Research Information Lookup

Overview

This skill provides real-time research information lookup with intelligent backend routing:

• parallel-cli search (parallel-web skill): Primary and default backend for all research queries. Fast, cost-effective web search with academic source prioritization. Uses parallel-cli search with --include-domains for scholarly sources.
• Parallel Chat API (core model): Secondary backend for complex, multi-source deep research requiring extended synthesis (60s-5min latency). Use only when explicitly needed.
• Perplexity sonar-pro-search (via OpenRouter): Used only for academic-specific paper searches where scholarly database access is critical.

The skill automatically detects query type and routes to the optimal backend.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need:

• Current Research Information: Latest studies, papers, and findings
• Literature Verification: Check facts, statistics, or claims against current research
• Background Research: Gather context and supporting evidence for scientific writing
• Citation Sources: Find relevant papers and studies to cite
• Technical Documentation: Look up specifications, protocols, or methodologies
• Market/Industry Data: Current statistics, trends, competitive intelligence
• Recent Developments: Emerging trends, breakthroughs, announcements

Visual Enhancement with Scientific Schematics

When creating documents with this skill, always consider adding scientific diagrams and schematics to enhance visual communication.

If your document does not already contain schematics or diagrams:

• Use the scientific-schematics skill to generate AI-powered publication-quality diagrams
• Simply describe your desired diagram in natural language

python scripts/generate_schematic.py "your diagram description" -o figures/output.png

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Automatic Backend Selection

The skill automatically routes queries to the best backend based on content:

Routing Logic

Query arrives
    |
    +-- Contains academic keywords? (papers, DOI, journal, peer-reviewed, etc.)
    |       YES --> Perplexity sonar-pro-search (academic search mode)
    |
    +-- Needs deep multi-source synthesis? (user says "deep research", "exhaustive")
    |       YES --> Parallel Chat API (core model, 60s-5min)
    |
    +-- Everything else (general research, market data, technical info, analysis)
            --> parallel-cli search (fast, default)