N - Journals lack policies on animals

Journal editors need to revisit their editorial policies concerning research on animals, a study in the American Journal of Bioethics has concluded (2009;9:55-9, doi:10.1080/15265160903318343). Researchers assessed the policies of a random sample of 288 English language peer reviewed journals that published original research between July 2005 and June 2006 involving the use of animals. They scored editorial policies, with a top total score of 12. No relevant information could be found for 52 of the journals, and 83 did not have any relevant editorial policies. The highest score achieved was 9, and this was achieved by only one journal.