Synthetic Biology

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Life Sciences

Introduction

Welcome to the Synthetic Biology information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Synthetic Biology, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN-
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationSYN BIOL / Syn. Biol.
Frequency1 issue/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressGREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal "Synthetic Biology" focuses on the intersection of biology and engineering, aiming to advance our understanding and manipulation of biological systems through synthetic approaches. Its research encompasses a wide range of methodologies and applications, fostering innovation in both fundamental and applied sciences.
  1. Engineering Biological Systems:
    The journal prioritizes the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems, including synthetic cells and metabolic pathways.
  2. Microbial Community Design:
    A core area of focus involves creating and optimizing engineered microbial communities for various applications in biotechnology and environmental science.
  3. Automation and High-Throughput Techniques:
    Research frequently involves the development of automated workflows and platforms for high-throughput screening and analysis, enhancing reproducibility and efficiency in synthetic biology.
  4. Gene Editing and Regulation:
    The journal publishes extensively on CRISPR and other gene editing technologies, exploring their applications in various organisms for therapeutic and agricultural purposes.
  5. Data and Computational Tools:
    There is a strong emphasis on data sharing, computational modeling, and software development to support synthetic biology research, ensuring reproducibility and data reusability.
  6. Ethics and Regulation in Synthetic Biology:
    The journal addresses the ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks surrounding synthetic biology applications, ensuring responsible innovation in the field.
The journal has shown a dynamic evolution in its research focus, with several emerging themes gaining prominence in recent years. These trends reflect both technological advancements and societal needs.
  1. Cell-Free Synthetic Biology:
    There is a notable increase in research focused on cell-free systems for protein synthesis and metabolic engineering, highlighting their potential for rapid prototyping and production.
  2. Synthetic Microbial Ecosystems:
    Emerging studies on the design and manipulation of synthetic microbial communities are gaining traction, driven by their applications in bioremediation, agriculture, and health.
  3. Integration of AI and Machine Learning:
    Recent publications emphasize the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools in synthetic biology for predictive modeling and design optimization, marking a significant trend in the field.
  4. Ethical and Societal Implications:
    An increasing focus on ethical considerations and societal impact related to synthetic biology applications indicates a growing awareness of the need for responsible innovation.
  5. Precision Medicine and Therapeutics:
    There is a surge in research aimed at utilizing synthetic biology for precision medicine, particularly in developing targeted therapies and advanced drug delivery systems.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continues to expand its scope, certain themes have shown a decline in frequency or emphasis over the years. This shift may reflect changing priorities in the field or the maturation of certain research areas.
  1. Traditional Metabolic Engineering:
    There appears to be a decrease in publications focused solely on traditional metabolic engineering approaches, as the field increasingly incorporates synthetic biology techniques that integrate systems and synthetic approaches.
  2. Natural Product Synthesis:
    Research specifically dedicated to the biosynthesis of natural products has waned, likely due to the growing focus on synthetic pathways and engineered microbes that can produce novel compounds.
  3. Basic Biological Mechanisms:
    There is a declining trend in papers exploring basic biological processes without a synthetic aspect, as the field shifts towards more applied and engineered solutions.
  4. Conventional Antibiotic Development:
    The emphasis on traditional antibiotic discovery methods is fading, as synthetic biology increasingly seeks to create novel antibiotics through engineered pathways rather than relying on natural sources.

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