AI: From bench to bot

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This column by Tim Requarth explores the promises and pitfalls of artificial-intelligence tools in writing—when they can make writing better, faster and easier, and how to navigate the minefield of possible dangers.

A group of researchers reading while institutions crumble in the background, and giant mice appear on the horizon.

The Transmitter’s favorite essays of 2025

Throughout a tumultuous year in science, researchers opined on policy changes and funding uncertainty, as well as scientific trends and the impact of artificial-intelligence tools on the field.

By The Transmitter
24 December 2025 | 2 min read
Computer-generated illustration.

From bench to bot: Why AI-powered writing may not deliver on its promise

Efficiency isn’t everything. The cognitive work of struggling with prose may be a crucial part of what drives scientific progress.

By Tim Requarth
2 September 2025 | 7 min read
AI-generated, blueprint-like illustration of a classroom.

Many students want to learn to use artificial intelligence responsibly. But their professors are struggling to meet that need.

Effectively teaching students how to employ AI in their writing assignments requires clear guidelines—and detailed, case-specific examples.

By Tim Requarth
23 June 2025 | 10 min read
Computer-generated image of a waveform.

Keeping it personal: How to preserve your voice when using AI

To harness the workmanlike prose of artificial intelligence while maintaining a recognizable style, use it as an analyzer rather than as a writer.

By Tim Requarth
3 March 2025 | 11 min read
Computer-generated illustration of a black box with many lines coming into its left side and a compressed stream coming out of its right side.

From bench to bot: How important is prompt engineering?

To draft the most effective prompt, assume the stance of teacher.

By Tim Requarth
28 October 2024 | 8 min read
Computer-generated illustration of a pencil.

From bench to bot: Does AI really make you a more efficient writer?

A more significant benefit may lie in improving quality, refining tone and reducing cognitive burden. But beware of bias.

By Tim Requarth
3 September 2024 | 11 min read
Computer-generated illustration of a sheet of paper emanating from a computer screen.

From bench to bot: Boost your writing with AI personas

Asking ChatGPT to review your own grant proposals can help you spot weaknesses.

By Tim Requarth
5 April 2024 | 10 min read
Computer-generated illustration of a three-dimensional box containing letters in a grid pattern.

From bench to bot: How to use AI to structure your writing

When given specific examples, ChatGPT can generate templates to help guide different types of documents.

By Tim Requarth
8 January 2024 | 11 min read
Computer-generated image of a stack of papers.

From bench to bot: How to use AI tools to convert notes into a draft

ChatGPT can capitalize on the highly ordered nature of scientific writing to streamline your writing process.

By Tim Requarth
27 November 2023 | 10 min read
Computer-generated image of a stack of papers.

From bench to bot: A scientist’s guide to AI-powered writing

I was initially skeptical of artificial-intelligence tools such as ChatGPT for scientific writing. But after months of using and teaching generative artificial intelligence, I have come to realize that it has a place in the scientific writer’s tool kit, even if it can’t write that grant for you from scratch.

By Tim Requarth
13 November 2023 | 6 min read

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Research image of lesion network mapping.

‘Overdue’ debate unfurls over neuroimaging method

After a January paper questioned the validity of an approach called lesion network mapping, its users are pressure testing their results.

By Angie Voyles Askham
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Research image of zebrafish brain activity.

Nearly 400 compounds affect behaviors tied to autism-linked genes in zebrafish

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By Charles Q. Choi
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What neuroscientists want from a new NINDS director

The search is underway for the next director of the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, who will face a range of challenges, neuroscientists say, but will also have an “immense opportunity to do good things.”

By Helena Kudiabor
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