Reproducible image handling and analysis

Image data are universal in life sciences research. Their proper handling is not. A significant proportion of image data in research papers show signs of mishandling that undermine their interpretation. We propose that a precise description of the image processing and analysis applied is required to address this problem. A new norm for reporting reproducible image analyses will diminish mishandling, as it will alert co-authors, referees, and journals to aberrant image data processing or, if published nonetheless, it will document it to the reader. To promote this norm, we discuss the effectiveness of this approach and give some step-by-step instructions for publishing reproducible image data processing and analysis workflows.

Automated summary

Image data play a crucial role in life sciences research, but mishandling can lead to inaccurate interpretation. To address this issue, it is important to provide a precise description of image processing and analysis, and to advocate for a new norm for reporting reproducible image analyses.