Use to build Cell's mandatory STAR Methods — the Key Resources Table, the three Resource Availability subsections, Experimental Model and Subject Details, Method Details, and Quantification and Statistical Analysis, in the exact required order.
SkillScore95Maintained
Automatic
◆Writing & Editing pack
Last verified 8/31/2026
What it changes
Passed 21 of 22 test cases with the skill, and 17 of 22 without it.
Without skill77%
With skill95%
Checks it passed that the model alone missed
The response outputs 'cell-data' as the entry for 【Next】.
The response specifies 'cell-data' as the value for 【Next】.
The response includes 'cell-data' under the 【Next】 tag line.
and 5 more in the full report
5 fixed16 passed either way0 still failing1 broke
Pass-rate lift
+18 pp
Tokens
+52%
Agent turns
0%
Response time
-24%
Model gemini-3.6-flashMeasured 8/31/2026v121 of 22 cases passed with skill
Tokens, turns and time describe resource use, not a dollar price.
See it in action
One of 5 test cases the skill fixed. Same model, same prompt, with and without the skill.
1 of 5
Prompt
When completing the STAR Methods evaluation report output block, what specific skill or step name must be recorded under the 【Next】 field?
What was checked, without and with the skill
Checked
Without skill
With skill
The response outputs 'cell-data' as the value for the 【Next】 field.
Missed
Passed
case-16 · gemini-3.6-flash · 8/31/2026 · answers are capped and redacted
What's inside
The instructions your model reads when the skill loads.
SKILL.md95 linessingle file
STAR Methods (cell-star-methods)
When to trigger
The manuscript has a free-text Methods section (Cell requires STAR Methods).
There is no Key Resources Table, or reagents lack identifiers/RRIDs/catalog numbers.
The Resource Availability block is missing one of its three required subsections.
Statistics are scattered in legends with no consolidated analysis section.
STAR Methods = Structured, Transparent, Accessible Reporting. It is a Cell Press signature and is mandatory. This is the single most important Cell-specific deliverable.
Mandatory STAR Methods structure (exact order)
Key Resources Table (KRT)
Resource Availability — three required subsections:
a. Lead Contact
b. Materials Availability
c. Data and Code Availability
Experimental Model and Subject Details (or Experimental Model and Study Participant Details)
Method Details
Quantification and Statistical Analysis (QSA)
Some versions add Additional Resources at the end. Always confirm the current Cell Press STAR Methods structure and headings.
1. Key Resources Table (KRT)
A structured table listing every reagent and resource, grouped by category, each with its source and an identifier (RRID, catalog #, accession, DOI, or repository link).