Authors may use AI-assisted tools to improve language, grammar, formatting, and readability but remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their work. AI tools cannot be listed as authors. Authors must disclose AI use at submission, including in the cover letter and, where applicable, in the appropriate manuscript section, identifying the tool and its purpose.
AI-generated illustrations, explanatory diagrams, infographics, and graphical abstracts may be used provided they accurately represent the subject and are not presented as original research evidence. AI use must be disclosed in the manuscript, identifying the tool and its purpose, and in the relevant figure caption, where applicable. Authors must verify scientific accuracy and ensure appropriate attribution and permissions.
Generative AI must not be used to fabricate or misleadingly alter images or visual data presented as original research evidence, including microscopy images, histological sections, gels, blots, chromatograms, spectra, clinical photographs, graphs, or other visual representations of research data. Legitimate AI-assisted image processing or analysis conducted as part of the research must be described in the Methods section and must preserve the integrity of the underlying data.
Generative AI tools must not replace independent editorial or reviewer judgment. Editors and reviewers must not upload or process confidential manuscript or review materials using generative AI tools without explicit journal permission and appropriate safeguards for confidentiality, data security, and copyright protection. Any authorized AI assistance in peer review must be disclosed to the journal. Editorial decisions remain the responsibility of human editors. Any journal use of AI for copyediting or production will be disclosed to authors.
Concerns about undisclosed or inappropriate AI use will be assessed in accordance with the journal’s editorial policies and applicable COPE guidance.