The journal Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology retracted a paper due to concerns raised by readers about improperly generated supporting images created by an AI image generator. The retraction cited issues with the AI-generated figures, particularly in the context of research on stem cells in small mammals.
The images included in the article depicted rat anatomy with exaggerated features that do not occur naturally, such as a rat with disproportionately large genitalia compared to its body size. Additionally, some of the accompanying text was found to be incomprehensible, and another image failed to accurately represent the structure of a rat cell.
The use of disproportioned AI-generated images in technical papers, like those published in reputable journals, has sparked discussions within the scientific community. Despite disclosing their use of AI and crediting Midjourney, the authors from Hong Hui Hospital and Jiaotong University in China did not ensure the accuracy of the images before publication.
While Frontiers permits the use of AI-generated materials if disclosed, their policy also emphasizes the importance of fact-checking such content—highlighting a gap in the process that led to the publication of the flawed paper. Initially, the journal announced corrections to the article but later retracted it altogether.
The incident underscores the need for improved oversight to prevent similar errors in the future. It remains unclear what measures will be implemented to address and mitigate such issues moving forward.
More information:
Retraction: Cellular functions of spermatogonial stem cells in relation to JAK/STAT signaling pathway, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1386861
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AI-generated disproportioned rat genitalia makes its way into peer-reviewed journal (2024, February 19) retrieved 19 February 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-02-ai-generated-disproportioned-rat-genitalia.html
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