Here we examine three hot topics in medical writing that are shaping the industry dialogue. We take a look at the impact of retracted scientific articles, the advantages of using artificial intelligence (AI) in text creation, and the ban by Nature on the use of AI-generated visual content in its journals.
There is increasing concern that retracted scientific articles are making their way into academic publishing. “But how worried should we be?” It is unclear whether this has any impact on systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines.
Cochrane, a prominent healthcare meta-analysis publisher, assesses retracted papers on a case-by-case basis, considering reasons for retraction. Some reasons for retraction include, falsification of data (approximately 60%), unsatisfactory ethics and even honest mistakes.
Excluding retracted studies might omit relevant data or introduce bias. The approach of other publishers to retracted articles remains to be seen.
A recent article published in The Scholarly Kitchen discussed how AI has the potential to revolutionise the medical publishing industry.
The release of ChatGPT and BioGPT has sparked discussions on AI’s future across industries. These technological shifts where AI is used, are reshaping industries, including scholarly publishing. Publishers can benefit by creatively utilising AI for efficiency and market intelligence. AI has the potential to streamline peer review, fight fraud, generate content, and predict impactful papers.
Despite advantages, cautious implementation is needed due to biases and limitations. AI can bridge language gaps, predict paper success, and aid editorial decisions. Combining AI’s data analysis with human insights presents a promising future, challenging publishers to adapt swiftly.
The scientific journal Nature, (highly ranked with an Impact Factor of 64.8) has banned the use of AI-generated visual content, including photographs, illustrations, and videos. There are concerns about the ability to verify the accuracy and authenticity of AI-generated content, as well as the potential for copyright infringement, invasion of privacy, and the spread of misinformation.
While Nature will continue to allow the use of AI in text creation, it will require that all AI-generated content be properly documented and attributed. It is likely that other journals will follow this trend.
As AI technology continues to develop, it will be important to develop clear guidelines and regulations to ensure that this technology is used responsibly and ethically.
