American Journal of Physiology-Legacy Content
Published by American Physiological Society
Physiology
AI Policy at a Glance
The American Physiological Society requires transparent disclosure of AI tool use in manuscript preparation across all its physiology journals. AI tools cannot be listed as authors. AI use in research design must be documented in Materials and Methods; AI use in writing must be disclosed in Acknowledgments with a specific required statement format. Authors take full responsibility for content accuracy. AI-generated or altered images are not permitted except when AI is part of the research methodology itself. Reviewers are prohibited from using LLMs to construct reviews.
Text
Writing or editing manuscript text with AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot)
Images
Creating or modifying figures, illustrations, or photos using AI
Data
Using AI to assist with data analysis, computational methods, or code
Review before using
AI use is permitted only in certain contexts. Review the conditions above or contact the journal to confirm before submitting.
Detailed Policy Findings
AI TEXT / WRITING
AllowedAI IMAGES / FIGURES
RestrictedAI DATA ANALYSIS
AllowedDisclosure Guidance
Most AI policies require disclosure of AI use in your submission.
Requirements (Where to Disclose)
AI use in experiments or conclusions must be referenced in Materials and Methods. AI use in manuscript writing or revising must be disclosed in Acknowledgments using the required statement format: "[Tool Name, Version, and Model] was used for [process and reason]. The tool was used in a manner that does not conflict with APS ethical policies and the authors take full responsibility for the content." Authors may be asked to supply the method of application (e.g., query structure, syntax).
From the Source Policy
Template Language
This is sample language only. Always review the publisher’s specific disclosure requirements before submitting. Requirements vary and may change. BioRender is actively developing an automated disclosure workflow that will provide clarity to publishers on exactly how AI was used, if at all, on its platform and the degree to which it is copyright safe.
AI Text
Required by policyPublisher-specificMethods section
[Tool Name, Version, and Model] was used for [list actual process for which AI was used and reason for its use]. The tool was used in a manner that does not conflict with APS ethical policies and the authors take full responsibility for the content.
AI Images
RestrictedAI-assisted images are permitted only in specific cases. Contact the editorial office.
AI Data
Required by policyGeneric template — this publisher may have specific formatting requirements. Check the disclosure requirements above.
Methods section
AI-assisted tools were used for [specify use, e.g., data analysis/statistical processing/code generation]. All AI outputs were independently verified by the research team. Raw data and analysis scripts are available at [repository].
Additional Policy Details
Peer Review Restrictions
Reviewers are prohibited from using large language models, such as ChatGPT, or any similar AI technology, in the process of constructing their reviews. All reviews must be based on the reviewer's personal knowledge, expertise, and experiences. Grammar checkers are excluded. Violations may result in termination of the reviewer's relationship with APS.
Exemptions
This policy does not apply to AI tools solely focused on grammar enhancement, such as grammar and spelling checkers (e.g., Grammarly, Wordtune), or reference managers (e.g., Endnote, Mendeley). It also does not cover scientific instruments and tools that utilize AI software to analyze raw data and output graphical results (e.g., microscopy, biomedical imaging).
Enforcement
APS may employ various means, including manual review, automated analysis, or third-party services, to investigate the authenticity of peer reviews. Authors are ultimately responsible for the content and will be held accountable if ethical situations arise.
Source & Verification
Policy last updated
August 2023
Policy checked on
April 15, 2026
Policies are verified periodically but may change without notice. This tool does not constitute legal advice. Always confirm with the original policy page before submitting.
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