Data, figures, images and study reporting should represent the research accurately and should allow readers and editors to understand how conclusions were reached.
Data integrity
Fabrication, falsification and selective alteration of data are not acceptable. Authors should retain appropriate research records and respond to reasonable editorial requests for clarification.
Images
Image adjustments should not obscure, eliminate, introduce or misrepresent meaningful information. Composite images, reused images or processing steps should be disclosed when relevant.
Data availability
Journals should state their data-availability expectations. Authors should provide an accurate data-availability statement and respect legitimate privacy, consent, ethical, legal or proprietary restrictions.
Reporting guidelines
Authors should use study-design reporting guidance appropriate to their work, such as CONSORT, PRISMA, STROBE or ARRIVE where relevant, together with journal-specific requirements.