The Biophysical Journal is a prominent, peer-reviewed scientific publication. It is published on behalf of the Biophysical Society, an international scientific organization dedicated to advancing knowledge in biophysics. Established in 1960, the journal has a long history of disseminating research in this interdisciplinary field. It serves as a platform for scientists to share discoveries that bridge the gap between physical and biological sciences.
The Field of Biophysics
Biophysics is an interdisciplinary scientific field that applies the principles and methods of physics to understand how biological systems function. It integrates concepts from physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology to explore life at various scales, from individual molecules to complex organisms. This approach allows researchers to uncover the underlying physical mechanisms governing biological processes.
Consider the transmission of nerve impulses, for example. Biophysics helps explain how these electrical signals travel through neurons. It involves understanding the movement of ions like sodium and potassium across cell membranes, creating rapid changes in electrical charge known as action potentials. These precise electrical events, governed by physical laws, enable communication throughout the nervous system.
Similarly, the biophysics of muscle movement delves into how muscles contract and generate force. This involves the “sliding filament theory,” where protein filaments called actin and myosin slide past each other. The physical interaction between these molecular components, powered by chemical energy from ATP, dictates how muscles shorten and produce movement. Biophysicists study the mechanical properties of muscles and tendons, which influence movement efficiency and injury prevention.
Scope and Content of the Journal
The Biophysical Journal publishes research that provides quantitative insight into fundamental biological problems across molecular, cellular, and even whole-organism levels. Its content spans a wide array of subjects within the field of biophysics. Researchers contribute findings on topics such as the biophysics of membranes, the mechanics of cellular movement, and the study of bioenergetics, which explores energy flow in living systems.
The journal also covers research on molecular machines, which are biological structures performing mechanical work, and computational biophysics, which uses computer models and simulations to understand biological data. It accepts various types of submissions, including original research articles presenting new findings, shorter communications known as letters that report significant results rapidly, and perspectives that offer broader insights or overviews of specific areas.
Publication Standards and Reputation
The Biophysical Journal maintains its standing through a rigorous peer-review process. Peer review involves independent experts in the same field evaluating a submitted manuscript to assess its validity, quality, and originality. This evaluation helps ensure that only well-researched and reliable studies are published. Reviewers critique the methodology, findings, and interpretations, often providing constructive feedback to authors before publication.
The journal is owned by the Biophysical Society and is published in partnership with Cell Press. This affiliation reinforces its authority. The journal’s impact factor, a metric reflecting the average number of citations to its articles over a period, generally ranges between approximately 2.40 and 4.033, depending on the specific year and calculation method. This positions the Biophysical Journal among established publications in the biophysics discipline.
Accessing the Journal’s Research
Research published in the Biophysical Journal is accessible. Members of the Biophysical Society receive complimentary online access. Institutional subscriptions are a common way to access content, often through university or research library affiliations.
Individuals can also purchase print subscriptions directly through the Biophysical Society store. The journal operates as a “hybrid” open access publication: while most articles require a subscription, authors can pay a fee to make their research freely available upon publication. Some articles become freely accessible after a delayed period, typically 12 months.