Systems Aging is an Open Access Peer-reviewed journal on the topic of Computational and Systems Aging biology. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest epistemic standards, which is why we put a great emphasis on research hypotheses, negative results and reproducibility in our editorial and open peer-review process. We promote the publication of articles written in accessible, clear, engaging and yet precise language.
Systems Aging accepts articles focusing on understanding the fundamental causes of aging, age-related diseases and the regulation of longevity through the use of computational and systems approaches. We are particularly interested in submissions investigating the essence of aging from a causal perspective, and invite for articles with elements of (but not limited to):
These articles describe numerical models and experiments testing one or several precisely formulated hypotheses related to understanding or modulating aging. This should include elements of computational systems biology applied to relevant real datasets (in contrast to fully simulated ones). The computational research study should be complemented with one of the following:
We will publish positive or negative results alike, as long as the method is sound. If the computational method is also new, we will require a demonstration of its reliability on datasets where elements of validation already exist and/or with appropriate simulations.
This type of article must include an Epistemic box. In it, briefly state:
Approximate content size: up to 12 pages, including title, abstract, figures and bibliography. The number of figures should not exceed 6. Additional content is welcome as supplementary material. Sections: Abstract, Introduction, Epistemic box, Methods, Results, Perspectives.
Replication articles reproduce the findings of one or several previously published articles, and conclude on their robustness and reproducibility. This should be done in the original setting, but can also include minor and clearly stated elements of novelty. We believe this kind of article has the potential to greatly strengthen our confidence in aging biology research and make it more efficient in the long run. In this type of paper, please report as thoroughly as possible:
In this category, we also encourage the submission of follow-up articles. These articles do not identify fully new targets or mechanisms, by rather concentrate on the assessment of results that have previously put forward. This can for example consist in the experimental testing of hypotheses, candidate genes or pathways identified in in-silico studies, but where no wet-lab experiments (or only incomplete ones) have been carried-out to test the results.
If the original article(s) being replicated or further assessed are from Systems Aging as well, they will be visually and semantically linked together in the journal website.
Approximate content size: up to 12 pages, including title, abstract, figures and bibliography. The number of figures should not exceed 6. Additional content is welcome as supplementary material. Sections: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Perspectives.
A structured overview of a topic linked to understanding the mechanisms of aging and longevity through the lens of systems biology. It should outline and critically discuss current knowledge and unknowns of this topic, while highlighting research directions worthy of future attention.
Approximate content size: up to 10 pages, including title, abstract, figures and bibliography. The number of figures should not exceed 4. Additional content is welcome as supplementary material. Sections: Abstract, Introduction, [Your custom sections], Perspectives.
These papers are a way for scientists to freely express their views on the field of systems biology and aging research. They can for example raise epistemological or moral problems in the field, propose new ways of thinking about a specific issue, or present new paradigms better suited to study the complexity of aging biology. Authors can also discuss societal and philosophical implications of aging research, or react to a particular event or news important for the science of aging.
Approximate content size: from 2 to 6 pages, including title, abstract, figures and bibliography. The number of figures should not exceed 4. Additional content is welcome as supplementary material. Sections: Abstract, Introduction, [Your custom sections], Perspectives.