Scientists were left shocked and disappointed after AI-generated figures from a recently published peer-reviewed article went viral on social media platforms. The figures, acknowledged to be the work of an AI called Midjourney, were deemed uninterpretable and nonsensical. One particularly controversial figure featured an image of a rat with exaggerated and bizarre genitals, accompanied by the label “dck.”
The article in question, titled “Cellular functions of spermatogonial stem cells in relation to JAK/STAT signaling pathway,” was authored by three researchers from China and published in the reputable journal, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. Following the uproar, Frontiers issued an “expression of concern,” promising to conduct an investigation into the matter.
Although Frontiers has not provided an official response, the incident has raised concerns about the quality control mechanisms in scientific publishing. The first figure, featuring the controversial rat image, drew immediate attention and criticism on social media. In addition to the anatomical inaccuracies, the figure contained nonsensical labels such as “dissilced,” “Stemm cells,” and “iollotte sserotgomar.”
Furthermore, another figure meant to illustrate a complex signaling pathway, Figure 2, was described as a jumbled mess. Its excessive complexity led one scientific integrity expert to compare it to instructions on making a donut with colorful sprinkles. Figure 3, consisting of densely annotated circular images, also failed to provide meaningful visual representations.
The dissemination of such poorly generated AI figures raises concerns about the reproduction of scientific research in an era dominated by AI technology. The pressure to maintain a robust publication record for scientists incentivizes the submission of low-quality articles, potentially facilitated by AI algorithms. Researchers worry that this trend could undermine the credibility of published research.
In response to these concerns, research journals have implemented new authorship guidelines to address the increasing use of AI-generated text. However, the incident surrounding the Frontiers article demonstrates that there is still work to be done to ensure the trustworthiness of published scientific research.
FAQ
Q1: What caused scientists to be shocked and disappointed?
A1: Scientists were shocked and disappointed because AI-generated figures from a peer-reviewed article went viral on social media platforms. The figures, created by an AI called Midjourney, were considered uninterpretable and nonsensical.
Q2: What was the controversial figure that gained attention?
A2: The controversial figure featured an image of a rat with exaggerated and bizarre genitals, labeled as “dck.” This figure drew immediate attention and criticism on social media.
Q3: What is the title of the article that was authored by three researchers from China?
A3: The article is titled “Cellular functions of spermatogonial stem cells in relation to JAK/STAT signaling pathway.” It was published in the reputable journal, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology.
Q4: What action did Frontiers take in response to the controversy?
A4: Frontiers issued an “expression of concern” and promised to conduct an investigation into the matter. However, they have not provided an official response yet.
Q5: What were the concerns raised about scientific publishing?
A5: The incident raised concerns about the quality control mechanisms in scientific publishing. The dissemination of poorly generated AI figures raises questions about the reproduction of scientific research in an era dominated by AI technology.
Definitions
1. Peer-reviewed article: An article that undergoes critical evaluation by experts in the same field before being published. The process aims to ensure the quality and reliability of the research.
2. Anatomical inaccuracies: Mistakes or errors in representing the structure or form of an organism or its parts.
3. Scientific integrity: The adherence to ethical principles and standards in scientific research, including honesty, accuracy, and transparency.
4. AI algorithms: Algorithms created to mimic human intelligence and perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and data analysis.
Suggested Related Links:
1. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
2. Cell
3. Nature: Scientific Community
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