Aims and scope

Physical Biology is a peer-reviewed journal fostering the integration of biology with the traditionally more quantitative fields of physics, chemistry, computer science and other mathematics-based disciplines. Its primary aim is to further the quantitative characterization and understanding of biological systems at different levels of complexity, ranging from the role of structure and dynamics of a single molecule to the organization and evolution of molecular and cellular networks.

Physical Biology accepts contributions from a wide range of disciplines and covers topics such as:

• Structure of proteins, RNA, their modifications and interactions
• Assembly and function of macromolecular complexes
• Molecular motors, cytoskeletal dynamics, cellular transport, cell division
• Genomics, motif finding, phylogenetic and comparative analysis
• Gene regulation, signal transduction, metabolic control
• Genetic and enzymatic networks; systems biology
• Intercellular signalling and responses, e.g. quorum-sensing, chemotaxis
• Biological patterns, e.g. biofilms, morphogenesis and development, tumour growth
• Neuronal dynamics and networks; immunological networks
• Population dynamics and evolutionary processes
• Single molecule studies and nanobiotechnology
• Novel experimental and theoretical methods in physical biology

Physical Biology offers a stimulating combination of the following:

• Research papers: Comprehensive, fully documented reports of original research.
• Communications: Preliminary reports of original, significant research results.
• Perspectives: Personal view on a particular research topic or discipline.
• Tutorials: Background knowledge for an audience unfamiliar with the subject.
• Reviews: Critical evaluations of the existing state of knowledge on a particular topic or research area.