Vertebrate Animal and Human Subject Research

Research involving vertebrate animals or human subjects must adhere to strict ethical standards.

• Human Subjects: Any study involving human participants, including surveys and behavioral studies, must obtain informed consent. Institutional Review Board (IRB) or equivalent ethics committee approval is recommended, not required.
• Vertebrate Animals: Studies involving non-human vertebrates must follow humane treatment guidelines. Procedures should minimize pain and distress. Institutional or local ethics committee approval (e.g., IACUC) is recommended, not required.

The editorial board reserves the right to reject submissions that do not meet these ethical research standards.