The information contained in manuscripts may be misapplied to pose a significant threat to public health, safety, or security, agricultural crops, wildlife, or the environment. The research community, society, or public health must be able to justify the publication of such information. If concerns arise, we may take expert advice, and we may require specific peer review to assess the risk of dual use in a manuscript. If misuse is more likely than benefits, publication is rejected, and published material is retracted, revised, or withdrawn. Likewise, researchers must follow the requirements of their institutions and funders, as well as any national regulations. Dual-use concerns related to their work should be recognized and steps should be taken to avoid misuse. The authors should disclose whether their study is subject to consideration as dual use research of concern, including biosecurity, nuclear and chemical threats, where applicable regulations exist. If so, the manuscript should provide the authority that granted approval and the reference number. The manuscript should describe appropriate containment procedures (e.g. biosafety) when researchers report material which can be harmful outside the laboratory context.

In recognition of the widespread belief that science's openness helps society identify threats and defend itself from them, the Journal of Neoteric Life Sciences anticipates that the risks of publishing a paper that has been deemed appropriate for publication rarely outweigh the benefits.