Journal La Lifesci acknowledges that generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies can be valuable in supporting scholarly writing and research when applied responsibly. To ensure the integrity, originality, and accountability of the scholarly record, this policy follows the Elsevier guidelines on the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in writing.

Authorship

Generative AI and AI-assisted tools cannot be listed or cited as an author or co-author. Authorship implies responsibilities and tasks that can only be attributed to and performed by humans, such as the ability to approve the final version, respond to peer review, and take accountability for the work's integrity.

Acceptable Use and Responsibility for Content

Authors may use AI tools to improve readability, organize literature, or work more efficiently. However, these tools must never substitute for human critical thinking, expertise, and evaluation.

• Human Oversight: Authors must carefully review and adapt all AI-generated material to ensure the manuscript reflects their own authentic analysis, interpretation, and ideas. AI output cannot be used directly as the final text of a manuscript.

• Verification: Authors are fully accountable for the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and impartiality of their work. They must check all AI-generated output for factual errors, bias, and fabricated references or citations (hallucinations).

• Privacy and Copyright: Authors must protect confidentiality and intellectual property. Previously published, copyrighted, or sensitive material must not be uploaded into external, open AI tools.

Images and Artwork

The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create or alter figures, images, or artwork (including graphical abstracts) is not permitted. Manipulating images with AI for clarity is unacceptable if it introduces, moves, or obscures specific features. The only exception is if the use of AI is an integral part of the formal research design or methods (e.g., biomedical imaging). In such cases, the AI use must be thoroughly described in a reproducible manner within the Methods section.

Transparency and Disclosure

If generative AI or AI-assisted tools are used during manuscript preparation, authors must explicitly disclose this in a separate section at the end of the manuscript, immediately above the references. The section must be entitled: 'Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process'.

(Note: The use of basic tools for checking grammar, spelling, and punctuation does not require a declaration.)

Required Disclosure Format:

"During the preparation of this work the author(s) used [NAME OF TOOL / SERVICE] in order to [REASON/PURPOSE]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication."

Peer Review and Editorial Use

In strict accordance with publisher policies, peer reviewers and editors are not permitted to use generative AI tools to assist in the evaluation, editing, or peer review process of submitted manuscripts. Uploading unpublished manuscripts into AI tools violates author confidentiality and proprietary rights. All editorial and review decisions must be based entirely on human judgment.

Ethical Alignment

This policy aligns with evolving best practices in the ethical use of artificial intelligence in scholarly publishing. The journal will review and update this policy periodically to ensure continued alignment with Elsevier guidelines and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).