Author Guidelines

Authors should read the aims and scope before preparing a submission. A manuscript must be original, approved by all authors and not under consideration by another journal.

Types of paper

  • Research article: a full experimental, observational, field or computational study.
  • Review article: a critical synthesis that explains its coverage and selection method.
  • Methods paper: a validated laboratory, field, analytical or computational method with clear biological use.
  • Resource or data paper: a well-documented dataset, collection or research resource with demonstrated value.
  • Short communication: a concise report of a significant finding or method.

Files for double-blind review

Submit a separate title page and anonymized manuscript. The title page should include author names, affiliations, corresponding-author details, ORCID iDs where available, funding, competing interests and author contributions. Remove identifying details from the review file and its document properties.

Methods and reporting

Describe organisms, strains, cell lines, sampling, controls, replication, randomization, blinding, reagents, equipment, software and statistical methods in enough detail for assessment. Report ethical approval, permits, biosafety measures and accession numbers where relevant.

Data, code and biological materials

Include a Data Availability Statement. Deposit sequence, structure, expression and other community-standard data in an appropriate repository and cite the accession. Explain how code, protocols, specimens, strains or other materials may be obtained, including lawful or ethical restrictions.

Authorship and AI

Authorship is limited to people who made a substantial contribution, approved the submitted version and accept responsibility for the work. AI tools cannot be authors. Material use of generative AI in writing, coding, analysis or image preparation must be disclosed.

Submission status

Online submissions are temporarily closed while BF completes its editorial setup. This page will be updated when submissions open.