Life Conflux is committed to fostering scientific excellence by providing a platform for researchers to share groundbreaking discoveries, innovative methodologies, and comprehensive analyses. We bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, ensuring that scientific progress benefits society through open, accessible, and rigorously peer-reviewed publications.

Research Integrity

We maintain the highest standards of scientific integrity, ensuring all published research adheres to ethical guidelines and contributes meaningfully to the scientific community.

Open Access Excellence

Our open access model ensures that groundbreaking research reaches the global scientific community without barriers, accelerating knowledge dissemination and collaboration.

Rigorous Peer Review

Our single-blind peer review process, conducted by leading experts in their respective fields, ensures the quality and validity of all published research.

By submitting a manuscript to Life Conflux, authors acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

• Originality Commitment: The submitted manuscript represents original work that has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by any other journal or publisher.
• Author Agreement: All listed authors have read, approved, and agree to the submission of the manuscript and accept responsibility for its content.
• Open Access License: Upon publication, the content will be freely available under an open access license for non-commercial use, promoting global knowledge sharing.
• Copyright Compliance: The manuscript content does not infringe upon any third-party copyrights, patents, or other intellectual property rights.
• Data Transparency: Authors commit to making research data available in accordance with open science principles and journal policies.

Single-Blind Review System

Life Conflux employs a rigorous single-blind peer review process designed to maintain objectivity and ensure the highest quality of published research. This system protects reviewer anonymity while maintaining transparency in the evaluation process.

Review Timeline & Process:

1. Initial Editorial Screening: 7-10 business days for editorial assessment and reviewer assignment
2. Peer Review: 3-4 weeks for comprehensive expert evaluation by 2-3 independent reviewers
3. Editorial Decision: 1-2 weeks for final editorial decision and author notification
4. Publication Process: 2-3 weeks from acceptance to online publication

Life Conflux welcomes diverse scholarly contributions that advance scientific knowledge and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. Each article type serves specific purposes within the scientific communication ecosystem, from original research and comprehensive reviews to expert opinions and editorial communications.

Research Article

Description: Comprehensive reports of original research findings, experimental studies, or theoretical analyses that make significant contributions to scientific knowledge and understanding

Word Limit: 3,000-6,000 words, 4-6 figures, unlimited supplements

Abstract: Required (Structured)

Special Requirements: Data & Code Availability, IRB Statement, Ethics Approval

Short Communication

Description: Concise reports of preliminary findings, novel observations, or significant developments that warrant rapid dissemination to the scientific community

Word Limit: 1,500-3,000 words, 1-3 figures

Abstract: Required (Structured)

Special Requirements: Fast-track review available

Review Article

Description: Comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge, systematic analysis of literature, and critical evaluation of developments in specific research areas

Word Limit: 3,000-12,000 words, 2-6 figures/tables, extensive references

Abstract: Required (Unstructured)

Special Requirements: Minimum 50 references, expert author credentials

Perspective

Description: Expert opinions on emerging trends, future directions, or innovative approaches to current challenges in scientific research and practice

Word Limit: 3,000-5,000 words, 2-4 figures

Abstract: Required (Unstructured)

Special Requirements: Future research directions, policy implications

Method

Description: Procedural method in the design and implementation of an experiment or study. Detailed methodological innovations and technical procedures

Word Limit: 3,000-12,000 words, unlimited figures

Abstract: Required (Unstructured)

Special Requirements: Troubleshooting section, detailed procedures

Protocol

Description: Procedural protocol in the design and implementation of an experiment or study. Step-by-step protocols that can be followed and reproduced

Word Limit: 3,000-12,000 words, unlimited figures

Abstract: Required (Unstructured)

Special Requirements: Troubleshooting section, validation data

Opinion

Description: Personal opinions on a topic that enhances the understanding of the subject, providing expert perspectives on current issues or controversies

Word Limit: No specific limit

Abstract: No

Special Requirements: Expert author credentials

Editorial

Description: To convey an opinion, or overview of an issue, by the Editor or someone invited by the editor. Addresses journal policies, field developments, or editorial perspectives

Word Limit: No specific limit

Abstract: No

Special Requirements: Editorial invitation required

Commentary

Description: Expert opinion from one or more people (who may agree or disagree) on a published work, current understanding/status of an area, or how practice should be undertaken. Generally with references

Word Limit: No specific limit

Abstract: No

Special Requirements: Reference to original work, expert credentials

Correspondence

Description: A letter, or response to a letter, sent to the journal to raise a point of interest, discuss a difference of opinion or encourage participation

Word Limit: No specific limit

Abstract: No

Special Requirements: Brief and focused

Analysis

Description: Overview of developments in fields or the current lines of thought. Synthesizes multiple sources of information and has long list of references. Emphasis is more factual and less on opinion

Word Limit: 3,000-12,000 words

Abstract: Required (Unstructured)

Special Requirements: Data and Code Availability

Required Submission Materials

All manuscripts must include the following materials in the specified formats. Failure to include any required item may result in immediate return without review.

1. Manuscript: Required, must be uploaded in Word format. Should not contain any main figures or main tables. For revised manuscripts, must provide both clean and marked versions showing all changes.
2. Title Page: Required, must be uploaded in Word format. Must include detailed author information, complete institutional affiliations, and corresponding author email address.
3. Graphical Abstract: Required, must be in JPG format. Should provide a clear visual summary of the main findings or methodology. High resolution (minimum 300 DPI) required.
4. Highlights: Required, must be uploaded in Word format. Should contain 3-5 bullet points (maximum 85 characters each) summarizing the key findings and significance of the work.
5. Figures: Required, all figures must be submitted in JPG format. Figures must be grouped into a single compressed ZIP file for upload.
6. Figure Legends: Required, must be uploaded in Word format (.doc or .docx). Should clearly describe each figure and include any relevant details such as abbreviations, symbols, or experimental conditions.
7. Declarations File: Required, must be uploaded in Word format. Must include all sections detailed below, even if some sections are marked as "Not Applicable."

Optional Submission Materials

These materials enhance the submission and may be required depending on the article type and content.

1. Cover Letter: Optional, if applicable, must be uploaded in Word format. Should explain the significance and novelty of the research and address any potential concerns.
2. Tables: Optional, if applicable, must be uploaded as a compressed package in Word format. All tables must be three-line tables with titles above and notes below.
3. Supplementary Figures: Optional, if applicable, must be in JPG format and uploaded as a compressed package. Should support but not duplicate main figures.
4. Supplementary Tables: Optional, if applicable, must be uploaded as a compressed package in Word format. Should follow the same three-line table format as main tables.
5. Raw Data: Optional, if applicable, must be uploaded as a compressed package. Original datasets that support the findings and enable reproducibility.

Declarations File - Detailed Requirements

The declarations file must include all of the following sections in the exact order specified. Each section is mandatory and must be present even if marked as "Not Applicable."

1. Abbreviations: If there are abbreviated terms in the article, provide corresponding abbreviations and full names in alphabetical order. If none: Write "Not Applicable."
2. Author Contributions: Clearly describe each author's specific contributions to the research and manuscript preparation. Use standard CRediT taxonomy when possible.
3. Acknowledgements: If there are acknowledgments, briefly describe the acknowledgment information including technical assistance, editorial help, or other support. If none: Write "Not Applicable."
4. Funding Information: If there is funding, briefly describe the funding information including grant numbers, funding agencies, and sponsor organizations. If none: Write "Not Applicable."
5. Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate: If there are ethics considerations, briefly describe the ethics information including IRB approval numbers, consent procedures, and compliance statements. If none: Write "Not Applicable."
6. Competing Interests: If there are competing interests, briefly describe the competing interests information including financial relationships, personal relationships, or professional affiliations that could be perceived as influencing the research. If none: Write exactly: "The authors declare that they have no existing or potential commercial or financial relationships that could create a conflict of interest at the time of conducting this study."
7. Data Availability: If no data availability statement is needed: Write "Not Applicable." If a data availability statement is needed: Write exactly: "All data needed to evaluate the conclusions in the paper are present in the paper or the Supplementary Materials. Additional data related to this paper may be requested from the authors."

Research Article Format (IMRaD Structure)

Title & Abstract

Compelling title (≤200 characters), structured abstract (200-250 words) with Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions

Introduction

Research context, literature review, knowledge gaps, objectives, and hypotheses clearly stated

Methods

Detailed methodology, materials, procedures, statistical analyses, and ethical considerations

Results

Key findings, statistical analyses, data presentation with figures and tables

Discussion

Interpretation of results, comparison with literature, implications, and limitations

Conclusion

Synthesis of key findings, broader implications, and future research directions

Structured Abstract Template

Background: State the research problem, significance, and objectives. Explain why this study was necessary and what gap it addresses in current knowledge.

Methods: Describe study design, participants/samples, key methodological approaches, data collection, and analytical approaches used.

Results: Present main findings with specific data, statistical significance, and key quantitative/qualitative outcomes.

Conclusions: Summarize main conclusions, practical implications, and contributions to the field. Suggest future research directions.

Keywords: 5-7 relevant keywords separated by semicolons

Typography & Layout

• Font: Arial, 11pt, justified alignment
• Line Spacing: Double-spaced throughout
• Margins: 1-inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
• Page Numbers: Bottom center, starting from title page
• Headings: Bold, no numbering, hierarchical structure

Scientific Notation

• Numbers: Comma separation for >9,999 (e.g., 10,000)
• Multiplication: Use × symbol (not X or *)
• Statistics: p < 0.05 (spaces around operators)
• Gene Names: Standard formatting (no italics)
• Serial Lists: Oxford comma required (A, B, and C)

Important Formatting Notes: Manuscripts must be submitted as separate Word documents without embedded figures or tables. All formatting should follow standard academic conventions with clear section breaks and consistent styling throughout.

Vancouver Citation System

Life Conflux follows the Vancouver referencing system with sequential numeric citations. Each reference receives a unique Arabic number assigned in order of first appearance, maintained throughout the manuscript when cited again.

Citation Examples:

Journal Articles (≤6 authors):

Zhou, G., Li, . A., & Wang, R. (2025). The role of IL-17 family in the process of pulmonary fibrosis. Life Conflux, 1(3), e217. https://doi.org/10.71321/tg620c27

Journal Articles (>6 authors):

Huang HJ, Liu C, Sun XW, Wei RQ, Liu LW, Chen HY, et al. The rheumatoid arthritis gut microbial biobank reveals core microbial species that associate and effect on host inflammation and autoimmune responses. (2024). iMeta. 3(5):e242. https://doi.org/10.1002/imt2.242

Books:

Thomson AK, editor. Molecular mechanisms in cardiovascular disease: clinical applications. 3rd ed. New York: Academic Press; 2023.

Online Resources:

World Health Organization. Global health observatory data repository [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2024 [cited 2024 Oct 15]. Available from: https://www.who.int/data/gho

In-Text Citations:

• Superscript format: text¹ or text¹⁻³
• Bracket format: text [1] or text [1-3]
• Multiple citations: [1,3,5-7]

Reference Management:

• EndNote style file available
• DOI required when available
• Complete page ranges

Figure Requirements

• Format: JPEG (photos) or TIFF (graphics)
• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI
• Size: Single or double column width
• Labels: Clear, readable fonts (Arial 8-12pt)
• Color: High contrast, colorblind-friendly
• Legends: Comprehensive, standalone descriptions

Table Specifications

• Format: Three-line table structure
• Title: Above table, descriptive and concise
• Headers: Clear column headings with units
• Data: Consistent decimal places and formatting
• Notes: Below table for explanations
• Statistics: Significance indicators clearly defined

Best Practices for Visual Elements: Ensure all figures and tables are self-explanatory and can be understood independently of the main text. Use consistent styling, clear labeling, and provide detailed legends that explain all symbols, abbreviations, and statistical measures used.

Data Transparency

Life Conflux promotes open science principles and requires transparent reporting of research data and methodologies.

• Data availability statement required
• Code and analysis scripts when applicable
• Repository links for shared datasets
• Restrictions and access conditions clearly stated

Research Ethics

All research involving human participants, animals, or sensitive data must comply with ethical standards and institutional guidelines.

• IRB/Ethics committee approval
• Informed consent documentation
• Animal welfare compliance (if applicable)
• Conflict of interest disclosure

Editorial Workflow Steps

1. Submission: Upload manuscript and required materials through online portal
2. Editorial Review: Initial assessment for scope, quality, and reviewer assignment
3. Peer Review: Expert evaluation by independent reviewers in relevant fields
4. Publication: Final editorial decision, production, and online publication

Submission Checklist

Before Submission:

• Manuscript follows journal guidelines
• All required files prepared
• Ethics approval obtained (if applicable)
• All authors approve submission

Quality Assurance:

• Data and methodology clearly described
• References properly formatted
• Figures and tables high quality
• Statistical analyses appropriate

Editorial Office

For submission inquiries and editorial matters

Email: editorial@lifeconflux.com

Technical Support

For submission system and technical issues

Email: support@lifeconflux.com

Fast Track Review

For urgent research communications

Email: fasttrack@lifeconflux.com