To the editor:
The administration in Washington is developing policies for childrens’ health relying on reports which cite fictitious references. Such reports appear to be generated using AI. Is this our President’s substitute for science? Thousands of Federal employees involved in the field of science have been fired and to what end. We are now traversing back to the Dark Ages letting rumor and conspiracy dictate how we are dealing with 21st Century problems.
I have asked my AI program to generate reports citing its sources and to no surprise it cited non-existent sources. AI has its place, but it is not a substitute for human scientists relying on rigorous research and review. One of the most critical concerns is the potential for opaque algorithms to influence decisions without proper accountability. Many AI systems function as “black boxes,” making it difficult to trace or challenge the logic behind their recommendations. As a result, there is a risk that policy outcomes might favor certain interests or inadvertently reinforce existing biases. Transparency and oversight are essential to ensure that these tools serve the public good rather than obscure agendas. For a growing economy and for better health we need to embrace science. Our government must re-hire our science professionals.
