Created: 8th September 1998, last updated: 9th September 1998, © 1998 ABRF

The Journal of Biomolecular Techniques (JBT) is a peer-reviewed publication issued quarterly by the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities. It was established to promote the central role biotechnology plays in contemporary research activities, to disseminate information among biomolecular resource facilities, and to communicate the biotechnology research conducted by the Association’s Research Groups, Association members, and interested investigators.

The publication has an international audience and is intended for professionals engaged in biotechnology research and service. We welcome contributions from specialists in protein and nucleic acid chemistry, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, biomolecular resource facilities operations and management, and related areas. To keep the publication focused on topics of interest, articles are often solicited by the Editorial Board. Direct submissions or inquiries about the suitability of proposed articles may be directed to the Editor, Clayton W. Naeve, Ph.D., Center for Biotechnology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38101, Tel: (901) 495-3861, Fax: (901) 495-2945, E-mail: clayton.naeve@stjude.org.

JBT is published in English and features three types of articles: Methods & Reviews, Tips Articles and Rapid Communications. The purpose and requirements of all three types of articles are discussed in the "Instructions to Authors". The newsletter is also published electronically on the Association’s Web site at http://www.abrf.org.

Manuscripts should be prepared according to the "Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals" [Ann. Intern Med 1997: 126:36-47]. A digital version is available on various Web sites including http://www.acponline.org/journals/resource/unifreqr.htm.

All articles are reviewed by at least two independent reviewers. The editor reserves the right to edit articles for clarity and to modify the format to fit the publication style of the Journal of Biomolecular Techniques.

Manuscripts should be sent in both hardcopy and electronic form (on diskette or by e-mail). Most electronic formats can be handled; however, we prefer that text be sent in plain text (ASCII), MS Word, or WordPerfect formats for the PC.

Submit photographs as glossy, camera-ready photographic prints. Electronic submission of graphics are accepted and most formats can be handled; however, we prefer that graphics be sent in .TIF, .GIF, or .EPS format for the PC. The preferred font for graphics is Times New Roman. If possible, convert Macintosh graphics files to any of the suggested formats. Resolutions to 1200 dpi are supported.

References should be numbered consecutively in the order in which they are first mentioned in the text. Use the styles for articles in journals, books, electronic material, etc as illustrated in the "Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts...." cited above. The titles of journals should be abbreviated according to the style used in Index Medicus. This list can be obtained from the NLM or obtained through the library’s Web site at http://www.nlm.nih.gov.

Send four complete copies of all manuscripts to the Editor at the address above. Invited articles may be submitted directly to the Associate Editor coordinating the review.

Methods & Reviews and Tips manuscripts may be submitted at any time. Content destined for a specific issue (e.g. News & Events items) is typically submitted in camera-ready form one month prior to publication; i.e. Feb.1, May 1, Aug. 1, and Nov. 1.

Methods & Reviews

Methods & Reviews articles provide reviews of existing or emerging technologies or comprehensive descriptions of bioanalytical techniques. Methods & Reviews serve to keep ABRF members apprised of new technologies and to aid in planning. Although largely solicited by the Editorial Board, any review article on an appropriate subject will be considered for publication. Methods & Reviews also serve to disseminate the results of ABRF Research Group studies.

Begin each of the following sections on a new page and in this order: title and authors, abstract, text, acknowledgements, references, each table, figure legends, and each figure.

Methods & Reviews articles are typically 5000 words in length and include 8-10 figures or tables.

TIPS Articles

TIPS articles are shorter articles focusing on bioanalytical techniques or provide detailed descriptions of new methodologies or new modifications to techniques that improve the performance of the method. TIPS articles help readers improve their current capabilities.

Begin each of the following sections on a new page and in this order: title and authors, text, acknowledgements, references, each table, figure legends, and each figure.

TIPS articles typically do not exceed 1000 words and contain 6-7 figures and tables.

Rapid Communications

Rapid Communications articles are typically very short, 750 words and 2-3 figures. They are intended to foster the rapid communication of new developments in bioanalytical methodology to ABRF membership and the research community at large. They may consist of new techniques, improvements to methods, solutions to common problems, etc. Rapid Communications are submitted by email, receive expedited on-line review and, upon acceptance, are immediately posted on the ABRF Web server. Rapid Communications are reprinted in the quarterly hardcopy edition of the journal. Detailed instructions for Rapid Communications can be obtained from the ABRF Web server at http://www.abrf.org.

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