Data & Research Integrity
Data quality, reproducibility and responsible research conduct.
Data and methods
Authors should report methods, analyses and data accurately enough to support critical evaluation and, where appropriate, reproducibility. Selective reporting, fabrication and falsification are prohibited.
Human and animal research
Research involving humans, animals, identifiable personal data or regulated materials must comply with applicable ethical, legal and institutional requirements. Approval and consent information should be reported where relevant.
Data availability
Authors should provide a data-availability statement when data are central to the study. Restrictions based on privacy, consent, law, security or legitimate third-party limitations should be explained.
Images and figures
Image enhancement must not misrepresent the underlying data. Editors may request original data or files when concerns arise.