社论建议限制生成式AI在科学研究中的作用

September 8, 2026 Editorial proposes limits on generative AI's role in scientific research by PNAS Nexus edited by Swati Mestri, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Swati Mestri Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Andrew Zinin Chief Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source Credit: Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels An editorial by Charles Branas and Bruce Levine proposes norms for the use of AI in science. The study will be published in PNAS Nexus. The authors distinguish between using AI tools for nongenerative tasks, such as data classification or copy editing, and using AI tools to generate scientific ideas or seed research questions. While the former is broadly acceptable, they argue, the latter deserves more scrutiny and should be disclosed in scientific manuscripts. The use of generative AI for the core intellectual, creative, ethical, interpretive or accountability-bearing work of research—where AI replaces human interpretation and judgment—should be disallowed, according to the authors. Additionally, the authors propose that researchers should not use AI to generate their own initial research ideas or research questions or to make ethical determinations, risk assessments or policy recommendations. AI can reduce science's happy accidents and human insights if everyone relies on the same tools with similar inputs, the authors argue. They note that science should not be unthinkingly optimized as if it were a manufacturing workflow producing standardized outputs. Science requires a wide diversity of inputs, approaches and ideas. Generative AI is trained to produce probable outputs based on known patterns and existing data, whereas scientific breakthroughs often require departing from prior assumptions and breaking free of typical patterns. Serendipity counts in science. According to the authors, the originating research question and final evidentiary judgment in every scientific publication should be produced by human minds. Publication details AI and authorship: Norms and uses to preserve human-led science, PNAS Nexus (2026). academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/art … 93/pnasnexus/pgag277 Journal information: PNAS Nexus Key concepts Generative AI ethics Provided by PNAS Nexus Who's behind this story? Swati Mestri Swati Mestri holds a bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering and has worked as a content editor since 2019. She has experience editing research documents across technology, health care, and materials science, and has a particular interest in technology and space. Full profile → Andrew Zinin Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile → Citation: Editorial proposes limits on generative AI's role in scientific research (2026, September 8) retrieved 8 September 2026 from https://techxplore.com/news/2026-09-augmentation-abdication-ai.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Doing more but learning less: Addressing the risks of AI in research Mar 8, 2024 How the 'creeping normality' of large language models is quietly reshaping the life sciences Jul 13, 2026 Journal editors weigh in on AI in science publishing Jul 24, 2023 AI can be a powerful tool for scientists, but it can also fuel research misconduct Mar 20, 2025 Interdisciplinary group suggests guidelines for the use of AI in science May 23, 2024 A field guide for the Wild West of AI-assisted environmental science Aug 26, 2026 Memristor chip breaks the capacity limit of brain-inspired associative memory 6 hours ago Invention may bring smart bionic eye into sight 5 hours ago Whole-body expansion and contraction make a robot seem more alive 7 hours ago A tiny crystal tilt may bring greener magnetic memory closer to everyday devices 7 hours ago Tracking energy flow reveals voltage pattern that slashes waste heat by over 60% 9 hours ago Climate, not concrete mix, may drive steel corrosion in low-carbon structures Sep 7, 2026