DNA and Cell Biology has enacted strict policies banning authors who've submitted plagiarized manuscripts as well as the use of reviewers with non-institutional email addresses, Retraction Watch reports.
Carol Shoshkes Reiss, the editor of the journal, writes in an editorial that the journal has been using plagiarism detection software to scan submitted manuscripts for the past few months. It's found that between 10 percent and 20 percent of these submissions contained a high number of phrases that originate from other sources. She adds that such questionable submissions will be rejected and the home institution of the corresponding author and funding agencies notified.
Reiss also notes that while the journal's policy allows authors to suggest reviewers, it won't use reviewers with non-institutional email addresses. She tells Retraction Watch that editors at DNA and Cell Biology have come across suspect email addresses and that this move is to prevent reliance on fake emails and potentially fraudulent reviews.
"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," Reiss adds.