[6] JoVE covers research methods and experimental techniques from both the physical and life sciences.

The journal currently has 13 sections: Biology, Developmental Biology, Neuroscience, Immunology and Infection, Medicine, Bioengineering, Engineering, Chemistry, Behavior, Environment, Biochemistry, Cancer Research, and Genetics.

JoVE also publishes Science Education collections aimed at instructing scientists in fundamental concepts and methods[7] in a range of fields including biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and practical subjects like laboratory safety, cell culturing, and care of Drosophila flies.

Some experiments can be difficult to replicate if they involve techniques that are unfamiliar or unusually sensitive, and a short written description of the original scientific methods might not be sufficient.

[8] JoVE originally started as a full open access publication, but switched to a subscription model in 2009.