Decoding Science

A Deep Dive into the Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Mapping the Landscape of Life Sciences

What if we could visualize the DNA of scientific progress? Enter scientometrics—the science of measuring science. By analyzing publication patterns, citations, and collaborations, we uncover the hidden architecture of knowledge. This article explores the Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB), a premier diamond open-access journal that has shaped life sciences since 1964. Using data from scientometric studies, we reveal how this journal bridges biochemistry, biophysics, and biotechnology, driving innovation across continents 1 4 5 .

Key Journal Facts
  • Established: 1964
  • Frequency: Monthly (since 2022)
  • Access: Diamond Open Access
  • Indexing: Scopus, PubMed, SCIE

The Evolution of IJBB: From Legacy to Innovation

Launched in 1964, IJBB has transformed from a bimonthly to a monthly publication (2022 onward), expanding its scope to include biotechnology 4 7 . Managed by CSIR-NIScPR, it charges no article processing fees—a rare "diamond open-access" model democratizing science 5 7 .

Key Milestones
  • ISSN: Print (0301-1208), Online (0975-0959) 5
  • Editorial leadership: Prof. Stefan Dimitrov (Chromatin Biology expert) 5
  • Broad coverage: From protein folding to CRISPR therapeutics 4
Publication Growth

Scientometric Insights: The Journal's Intellectual Footprint

Authorship Trends

A landmark analysis of 316 IJBB articles reveals:

  • Collaborative dominance: 51.3% multi-author papers vs. 5.7% single-author contributions 1
  • Global reach: Indian authors lead slightly, but contributions span Asia, Europe, and North America 1
Table 1: Authorship Patterns in IJBB (2014 Study)
Authorship Type Articles (%) Collaboration Scope
Single-author 5.7% Limited to specialized topics
Multi-author 51.3% Cross-institutional & global
International teams 43% Genomics, drug design, biophysics
Table 2: Leading Contributing Regions
Region Contribution (%) Research Strengths
India ~55% Protein science, plant biochemistry
Rest of Asia ~20% Genetic engineering, virology
Europe/N. America ~25% Computational biophysics
Authorship Distribution
Geographic Contribution

Impact and Influence: Measuring Scientific Resonance

Impact Factor (IF) Dynamics

IJBB's 2025-2026 IF is 1.476, reflecting steady growth 5 . While lower than Journal of Biological Physics (IF 2.2) or Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics (IF 2.5), it excels in niche areas like enzyme mechanisms and biomolecular recognition 3 9 .

Citations and Indexing

Indexed in Scopus, PubMed Central, SCIE, and Embase, IJBB ensures global visibility 5 7 .

Scopus indexed since 1975
PubMed Central since 2008
Science Citation Index Expanded
Embase coverage

Spotlight: A Breakthrough Study on CRISPR Therapeutics

The Experiment: "CRISPR/Cas Systems in Therapeutics" (IJBB, Aug 2025) 4

Objective: Transform gene editing into precision medical solutions.

Methodology Step-by-Step:
  1. Target Identification: Select disease-linked genes (e.g., cystic fibrosis mutations).
  2. gRNA Design: Synthesize guide RNAs complementary to target DNA.
  3. Cas9 Delivery: Use viral vectors to deploy Cas9 nucleases into human cells.
  4. Gene Editing: Induce double-strand breaks, enabling DNA repair or replacement.
  5. Validation: Measure on-target efficiency and off-target effects via sequencing.
Results:
  • Success rates: 85–90% target accuracy in in vitro models.
  • Reduced off-target effects using engineered Cas9 variants.
Significance: Accelerates therapies for genetic diseases, highlighted in IJBB's August 2025 issue 4 .
CRISPR research
CRISPR Process Visualization

Diagram showing the gene editing mechanism using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

CRISPR Efficiency Metrics

Data from IJBB August 2025 issue 4

The Scientist's Toolkit: Key Reagents in Modern Biochemistry

Table 3: Essential Research Reagents in IJBB Studies
Reagent/Method Function Example Use
CRISPR/Cas9 Targeted gene editing Correcting mutations in disease models 4
AutoDock Vina Computational drug docking Designing inhibitors for viral proteins
Fluorescent Probes Tracking biomolecules in real-time Studying ion channel dynamics
2D NMR Spectroscopy Resolving protein structures Analyzing folded vs. unfolded states
Lipid Nanoparticles Drug/gene delivery vehicles mRNA vaccine delivery systems
Merbarone97534-21-9C11H9N3O3S
Meticrane1084-65-7C10H13NO4S2
Metolcarb1129-41-5C9H11NO2
Metoxuron19937-59-8C10H13ClN2O2
Metoprine7761-45-7C11H10Cl2N4
Lab equipment
Modern Lab Equipment

Essential tools featured in IJBB research studies.

Microscopy
Advanced Microscopy

Visualizing molecular structures at nanoscale.

Data analysis
Computational Analysis

Bioinformatics tools for molecular modeling.

Future Frontiers: IJBB's Role in Emerging Science

AI-Driven Discovery

Machine learning for predicting protein interactions

85% Adoption
Climate Resilience

Studies like Changthangi goat hypoxia adaptation (IJBB, Aug 2025) 4

65% Adoption
Open Science Advocacy

Eliminating paywalls to empower Global South researchers 7

95% Open Access
Emerging Research Networks

Conclusion: The Living Record of Scientific Progress

IJBB is more than a journal—it's a dynamic map of biochemistry's evolution. From India's research corridors to global labs, it captures how collaboration fuels innovation. As CRISPR transforms medicine and AI reshapes discovery, IJBB's diamond open-access model ensures these breakthroughs remain a shared human legacy 4 5 7 .

Key Takeaway:

"Scientometrics reveals science as a living network—IJBB is its thriving node."

References