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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Explore more from The Transmitter

Progenitors cells in the medial ganglionic eminence become increasingly organized during development as rows of brain imaging progress from top to bottom.

‘Tour de force’ study flags fount of interneurons in human brain

The newly discovered cell type might point to the origins of the inhibitory imbalance linked to autism and other conditions.

By Holly Barker
29 January 2026 | 4 min read

Michael Shadlen explains how theory of mind ushers nonconscious thoughts into consciousness

All of our thoughts, mostly nonconscious, are interrogations of the world, Shadlen says. The opportunity to report our answers to ourselves or others brings a thought into conscious awareness.

By Paul Middlebrooks
28 January 2026 | 1 min read
Walter Koroshetz.

‘Peer review is our strength’: Q&A with Walter Koroshetz, former NINDS director

In his first week off the job, the former National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke director urges U.S. scientists to remain optimistic about the future of neuroscience research, even if the executive branch “may not value what we do.”

By Angie Voyles Askham
27 January 2026 | 7 min read

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