Ethical Concerns

Recently we began to routinely scan each submitted manuscript for original language, using high-caliber plagiarism detection software. While it is not unusual to see common language describing methodology and reagents, we have found that 10–20% of the submissions in the last 4 months have had unacceptably high levels of strings of words or even full paragraphs that are taken verbatim from other published material. The most recent submission to come across my virtual desk had a 50% overlap with published articles found in the literature.

The action taken by DNA and Cell Biology is swift and final, and its policy is firm. Questionable submissions are immediately rejected for plagiarism. The Provost or Dean of Research of the home institution of the corresponding author is notified. Furthermore, if grant support was listed in the submission, the agency is notified. The authors are red-flagged in our electronic system and are barred from submitting future research communications for 3 years.

The Journal's policy is to allow authors to suggest potential referees with names of experts in their fields. However, only suggested reviewers who have an academic and/or institutional e-mail address will be considered. E-mail addresses with generic domain names (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.) will be disregarded.

We recognize that the vast majority of our authors have the highest scientific standards and integrity, but because of the actions of some, we must remain vigilant. This will assure our readers that the peer-reviewed studies published in DNA and Cell Biology are original and the veracity of peer review remains without question.