// NATURE NEWS — SPAZIO & SCIENZA

AI could undermine scientific independence in subtle ways

Published: 10/06/2026, 12:00 AM

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, USA. Search author on: PubMed Google Scholar Confidence in scientific findings is boosted when independent researchers reach the same result by different routes. But the use of artificial intelligence might create a common source of error, with Lisa Messeri and Molly Crockett warning that AI could produce scientific monocultures in which methods and questions converge (L. Messeri and M. J. Crockett Nature 653, 675–676; 2026). Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout Will AI spark a scientific renaissance — or a diffuse monoculture? AI tools boost individual scientists but could limit research as a whole ‘Vibe coding’ makes the dictionary: AI terms recognized by Merriam-Webster This award-winning microscopy image used AI — igniting controversy in a prestigious competition