r.kyser – Page 2 – The Rotation: A Himmelfarb Library Blog

Pride in the Collection

r.kyserJune 12, 2024July 29, 2024

A piece of wrinkled shaded with the colors of the rainbow

Every person is different, and that diversity makes human beings so fascinating. In order to serve diverse populations, it’s important for us here at Himmelfarb Library to have a wide variety of materials for students to learn from. One of these populations is the LGBTQ+community.

To help students locate material related to diverse populations, we have a Diversity and Disparities in Health Care collection. This collection covers a wide range of unrepresented groups, including queer people. Given the wide variety of content we offer, it would be impossible to cover everything in one blog post (which is a good thing). Instead, here are a few books from our collection to give readers a glimpse of what the library has to offer.

Global LGBTQ Health: Research, Policy, Practice, and Pathways.

By: Hwahng, Sel J. editor.; Kaufman, Michelle R. editor.

This book takes a look at the intersection of global and LBGTQ+health. Aiming to take a larger look at LGBTQ+health across the world, this text offers insight into issues on both a regional and global scale.

The case against conversion "therapy": evidence, ethics, and alternatives

Haldeman, Douglas C., editor.

While many states have now banned the practice known as “conversion therapy” there are still places where it is used, often on LGBTQ+ youth. This text takes a look at the motivations behind the practice, the decades of evidence showing it to be actively harmful, and why LGBTQ+identities are not something to be “cured” but embraced.

Trans medicine: The emergence and practice of treating gender

Shuster, Stef M., author.

This text covers both the history and contemporary practice of Trans medicine. Medicine for transgender people is often misunderstood due to both a lack of knowledge and misinformation. In this book, readers can not only learn that Trans medicine is not new, but is backed by decades of science.

Bodies and barriers: Queer activists on health

Shanker, Adrian, editor.; Levine, Rachel Leland, 1957- writer of foreword.; Kendell, Kate, writer of afterword.

Health disparities can exist for a variety of reasons. In this text, multiple queer activists explain some of the factors that lead to such disparities, what negative outcomes result, and ideas on how to fix them.

The script - queer futures

Wortham, J., film producer.; Fryer, Brit, film director.; Schamus, Noah, film director.; Multitude Films, production company.; Good Docs (Firm), distributor

Our last resource for this post is a film. Using recreations of personal interviews, this film takes a look at how transgender and nonbinary people interact with the medical system, and how practitioners and patients interact with one another.

References:

Haldeman DC, ed. The Case against Conversion “Therapy”: Evidence, Ethics, and Alternatives. American Psychological Association; 2022.

Hwahng SJ, Kaufman MR, eds. Global LGBTQ Health: Research, Policy, Practice, and Pathways. First edition. Springer; 2024. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-36204-0

Shuster SM. Trans Medicine: The Emergence and Practice of Treating Gender. New York University Press; 2021.

Shanker A, ed. Bodies and Barriers: Queer Activists on Health. PM Press; 2020.

Wortham J, Fryer B, Schamus N. The Script - Queer Futures. [Distributed by] GOOD DOCS; 2023.

Comic: Predatory Publishing

r.kyserMay 29, 2024July 25, 2024

Sometimes researching can be more complicated than it appears. Below, we take a look at predatory publishing, what it is, and how to avoid it.

A title card that says predatory publishing

Narration: A label next in the bottom left corner denotes the speaker as “Rebecca, Librarian, Amature Cartoonist.” — Pp Page 1

Rebecca in the boat, looks down concerned at the sea, where multiple shark fins can be seen poking through the waves. The speech bubble states “But there metaphorical waters can prove treacherous. And unlike real sharks, these threats to scientific knowledge provide little benefit to the scholarly ecosystem”

Narration: “Introducing Predatory Publishing” is at the top of the page. At the bottom, there is a label for the shark, which states “Ponzi, the Shark”
Image: A shark wearing a top hat and bow tie waves a fin, looking smug.

Panel 4 Narration: “But what are predatory publishers?”
Image: Rebecca looking stern, looks forward with a parrot on her shoulder. “Predatory publishers are journals that only exist to make money.”

panel 5
Image: A white man with blonde hair and old fashion clothes, holding onto ship wreckage like Jack in Titanic, looks at a mermaid with brown skin, black hair and a purple tail. In the background there is other evidence of a ship wreck. The man says “What do you mean “make money?” to which the mermaid replies “You didn’t know?” — Pp Page 1

Image: Now under the sea, the mermaid from earlier gestures to a treasure chest full of gold. Other sea life float in the background. She says “Scientific publishing is a huge business. One publisher, had a profit margin of almost 40% in 2023 (1). In contrast, Apple’s was 44% (2). — Pp Page 1

Panel 1 Narration: To best understand how publishers make so much money, one must learn how the publishing process works.
Image: The parrot from earlier says “Polly want an explanation!”

Panel 2
Narration: “Traditional publishing looks something like this. Scientists submit to journals who publish it to the world (ideally). And money flows like this: scientists submit to journals for free (or a small fee) and publishers pay to publish the work to the world, who pay higher costs in return for access. Publishers get work for free that is edited for free and then charge individuals, libraries, ect for access.
Image: A flow chart of a beaker, a journal and the Earth is shown demonstrating the relationship described in the narration.

Narration: This can lead to science being behind a paywall, especially for scientists, schools and others who can’t afford to pay.
Image: Rebecca and Polly the parrot stand on opposite sides of a poster with a picture of a journal on it. The poster says “$$$$ science.” Rebecca, talking to Polly, says “I can’t afford this.” Polly, who is resting on a bird perch, says “Polly can’t even afford a cracker…”

Panel 1
Narration: SO a new model was born: open access. It looks like the traditional model but money flows like this (authors pay to journals to publish their work and journals pay to publish to the world). The idea is the author pays a fee to ensure wider access.
Image: A flow chart of a beaker, a journal and the Earth is shown demonstrating the relationship described in the narration.
Panel 2:
Narration: Ideally, the rest works the same. Scientists submit their best works, it’s peer reviewed and if it passes muster, it’s published like traditional publishing.
Image: We see the Earth in space with an Astronaut floating in the foreground. The astronaut says “I even get access out here!” There is also a UFO floating over the Earth as a gag.

Narration: Except…what if instead of being discerning about what you publish, you just accept everything? After all, the more articles you accept, the more money you make in fees. — Pp 2

Narration: This is the business model of predatory publishers: accept anything and make a profit from the fees. Some tactics of predatory publishers include:
Image: A wanted poster of Ponzi the shark is affixed to a brick wall. On the poster, Ponzi looks alarmed. The text of the poster says “wanted: fraud.”

Narration: Pretending to be respected journals by spoofing the name of a more reputable publication.
Image: A bald Black scientist wearing glasses looks concerned at Ponzi, who looks the same except for a drawn on fake mustache. Both of them stand next to posters. The scientist’s poster says “submit to Nature.” Ponzi’s poster states “submit to Natures.”

Panel 1

Narration: Or they’ll ue the name of a defunct journal that has a better reputation.
Image: Ponzi the shark is seen floating underwater over a human skeleton. There are two labels affixed to each. The skeleton is labeled as “human sciences.” Ponzi is labeled as “human sciences 2.0”
Panel 2:
Narration: They might offer services like peer review with no intention of doing it, or claim rapid turn around times.
Image: A white and yellow tropical fish stares at a piece of paper on a fish hook. The paper says “pls review in 24 hours.” Question marks are shown over the fish’s head.

Narration: The reason this is a huge issue is partially one of quality. Predatory publishers flood scientific literature with B.S that can be dangerous. — Pp 2

Narration: The other issue impacts scientists: those tricked into publishing in these journals can see a hit to their reputations.
Image: A line up of three figures is shown with a text box underneath. The first two figures are literal clowns in full makeup while the third is a scientist with brown skin and brown hair looking horrified in their direction. The text underneath the three states” This issue: Balloon animals found to boost happiness page 8. The speed of trick flowers page 32. New cells found in clinical trials page 41.

Panel 1:
Image: The shipwrecked sailor holding onto wood planks from page 1 floats in the ocean. He asks “So what do we do about this? Give up on open access?”
Panel 2:
Image: Rebecca is seen balancing on the mast of the ship with the sail behind her. He says “of course not! Open science is important. We just need to be careful.”

Narration: Look for red flags. Things like:
Image: A red flag is seen in the sky. On the red flag there is a yellow circle which showcases Ponzi the shark.

Panel 1
Narration: Editors who have frank credentials, lack expertise that matches the journal or don’t exist at all.
Image: A volleyball with a face painted on it in red (much like Wilson in Castaway) rests on a beach. Below it, a text box states: “Editor in Chief: Wilson V. Ball”
Panel 2:
Narration: Having a weird street address for a business or no about page.
Image: An underwater cave is shown, There is a wooden sign in front of the cave that says “home of Natures.”

Panel 1

Narration: You’re naked to submit work entirely unsolicited.
Image: An anglerfish with a letter in the place of its light antenna, floats in the deep sea. With sharp teeth it says “You got mail.”
Panel 2:
Narration: Promising rapid publication.
Image: A stopwatch on a chain is shown with the intervals of 15, 30 and 45 on it. The top interval says “publish.”

Panel 1 Narration: Unsure about a publisher? You can ask a librarian or try using Cabells, a director of publishing opportunities. It identifies predatory publishers. We offer access to Cabells through Himmelfarb.
Image: The interface of Cabells is shown where journals are marked as predatory.

Panel 2

Narration: Good luck!
Image: Rebecca is seen in the bird's nest, giving a salute to the audience. The ocean and sun can be seen behind her,

Sources:

Yup K. How Scientific Publishers’ Extreme Fees Put Profit Over Progress. Published online May 31, 2023. Accessed May 6, 2024. https://www.thenation.com/article/society/neuroimage-elsevier-editorial-board-journal-profit/
Miglani J. Apple Sales And Profits Analysis For FY 2023 — Top 10 Insights. Forrester. Published November 21, 2023. Accessed May 6, 2024. https://www.forrester.com/blogs/apple-sales-and-profits-analysis-for-fy-2023-top-10-insights/
Bueter R. Research Guides: Predatory Publishing: Home. Himmelfarb Health Science Library. Accessed May 29, 2024. https://guides.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/PredatoryPublishing/Home

Inclusive Medicine for LBGT Adults

r.kyserMay 20, 2024July 29, 2024

Going to the doctor can be an anxiety-inducing experience. Regardless of how comfortable one is with their medical provider, the prospect of test results bearing bad news can make a routine visit understandably nerve-wracking.

But what if one’s apprehension regarding medical care was due to other reasons? What if going to the doctor meant being called the wrong name and pronouns for the entire visit? What if your visit led to being grilled about your life and hobbies as if they’re to blame for whatever ails you? What if you had to change how you looked or dressed to get treatment?

Sadly, these experiences are not uncommon for adults who identify as LBGT. According to a new survey out of the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), one third of adults who identify as LBGT have experienced discrimination when they are treated by a health care provider. Negative experiences included but were not limited to:

A provider assuming something about them without asking (1).
A provider implying or suggesting they were to blame for a health problem (1).
A provider ignoring or rejecting a request or question (1).

These negative experiences make patients less likely to seek care and can impact their health as a result. Even when LBGT adults continue to seek care despite these negative experiences, discrimination can lead to increased levels of anxiety or distress, which in turn can contribute to mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Given that 46% of LBGT adults report being unable to receive mental health services when they needed them in the last three years, this only worsens existing issues (1).

LBGT patients are people, just like anyone else. Thankfully, there are things practitioners can do to provide a more welcoming attitude to LBGT patients.

Don’t assume one’s legal name and gender markers are what they use. Ask patients what they wish to be called by and what pronouns they want you to use.
Don’t make assumptions: Never assume something about a patient just because they are LBGT.
Have material in your office or medical facility that identifies your practice as a safe space. This can include patient materials about health concerns that disproportionately impact LBGT individuals, having a private policy on display, and showcasing rainbow stickers or signs that state the area is a safe space (4).
Ensure your intake forms are inclusive. There are examples online one can use as templates like those available from Queering Medicine (3).
Explicitly use inclusive language and images both in the office and on all social media.

As pride month approaches, let’s work to ensure medicine is welcoming to all our patients, regardless of who they are.

1.Survey: LGBT Adults Are Twice as Likely as Others to Say They’ve Been Treated Unfairly or with Disrespect by a Doctor or Other Health Care Provider. KFF. Published April 2, 2024. Accessed May 20, 2024. https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/press-release/survey-lgbt-adults-are-twice-as-likely-as-others-to-say-theyve-been-treated-unfairly-or-with-disrespect-by-a-doctor-or-other-health-care-provider/

2. Queering Medicine - Intake Form Guidance for Providers. Queering Medicine. Published July 8, 2021. Accessed May 20, 2024. https://www.queeringmedicine.com/resources/intake-form-guidance-for-providers

3. Daniel H, Butkus R. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Disparities: Executive Summary of a Policy Position Paper From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2015;163(2):135-137. doi:10.7326/M14-2482

4. Bourns A, Kucharski E, Peterkin A, Risdon C, eds. Caring for LGBTQ2S People : A Clinical Guide. Second edition. University of Toronto Press; 2022.

Mental Health Awareness Month

r.kyserMay 10, 2024May 10, 2024

An image from NAMI (the national alliance on mental illness) that says "small steps can lead to big progress in mental health"

When we talk about illnesses, one of the many things that might first come to mind is symptoms. A friend complains about a sore throat, a fever and white patches on the tonsils? We might advise them to go see a doctor about a strep test. A child complains of a headache and starts sporting a rash made of tiny red dots? It wouldn’t be outrageous to consider chicken pox the culprit. Of course, disease presentation can vary and many illnesses share symptoms, but at the end of the day, many illnesses provide a visible clue that something is wrong.

Mental illness is far less visible to the naked eye. There is no rash that accompanies depression, nor is there a wheezing cough that comes with anxiety. The symptoms of mental illness, as the name implies, are often found in thought patterns and behaviors of those who have them. And while these thought patterns and behaviors can be observed, it often far more than a passing glance to properly diagnose someone. The average delay in treatment after a person starts showing symptoms of a mental illness is 11 years (1).

Just because the symptoms of mental illness might not be as clear as other illnesses, they are just as debilitating.

While mental illness may be hard to spot, that doesn’t mean it isn’t common. While one in five adults in the United States experience mental illness, only half of them receive treatment (1). The statistics for children are even more dire: nearly 70% don’t receive treatment (2).

Treatment in itself is often difficult to access, with long wait lists to see a provider and spotty insurance coverage among other issues.

To help raise awareness about mental illness, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is celebrating with the campaign “Take the Moment” which aims to highlight programs NAMI provides for patients and their loved ones dealing with mental illness, as well as working to erase stigma around mental health. Here at GW, our Resiliency and Well-Being Center has its own list of topics it will be discussing both this month and the month of June.

Mindfulness and Stress Management (May 8-21)
Healthy Eating (May 22 - June 4)
Restorative Sleep (June 5-18)
Physical Activity: Improving Movement and Exercise (June 19 - July 2)

The center will also be offering classes about practicing mindfulness both online and in person.

Here are some ways you can decrease stigma around mental illness:

Language really matters. Terms like “bipolar” and “OCD” can be thrown around as slang for being “moody” or “neat” respectively, despite being terms for serious mental conditions. Don’t perpetuate stigma and stereotypes about these conditions: use different words rather than conditions to describe what you mean.
Reach out to others: It’s okay to need help. If you haven’t been feeling well, you can find help. The school’s Resiliency and Well-Being Center provides resources to support those who are coping. There are also plenty of national resources one can use: NAMI offers a variety of resources in-house and also curates outside resources for those who either need help or want to help someone else.
Know mental health is for everyone: stigma about mental health implies that those who have mental illness are simply “not trying hard enough” or “seeking attention.” This couldn’t be further from the truth: mental health conditions are caused by a variety of factors including genetics and environment.

1. Mental Health Awareness Month. NAMI. Accessed May 6, 2024. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month/

2. House TW. A Proclamation on National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2024. The White House. Published April 30, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2024. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/04/30/a-proclamation-on-national-mental-health-awareness-month-2024/

Quackery: A Comic

r.kyserApril 26, 2024July 25, 2024

Hello all. For today’s blog post, we’re sharing a comic from one of our reference librarians, regarding quackery. Enjoy!

Quackery: An Introduction to Fakes, Frauds, Forgeries and Other Falsehoods.

Image: A librarian, Rebecca, stands in the middle of the panel, one finger raised. She is a woman with pale skin, curly brown hair tied back in a ponytail, a pair of glasses, and she wears a purple short sleeved polo shirt.
Narration: Quackery: A term that refers to the practices of fraudsters and conmen, often in the field of medicine.
Rebecca, Dialogue: “And let me tell you, history has a lot of quacks!”

Image: A pop up is shown, with bright outlandish colors. The ad states “You Won! Miracle Acne Cream. Buy now!! $19.99.” A mouse icon hovers over the “buy now” text.
Narration: Folks have tried to scam each other…

Image: A man with light brown skin and short brown hair wears a toga and stands in front of a sales booth. He is yelling, gesturing to his wares. The sales booth has some coins and a bowl on it, and on the front, a sign says “100% effective, no refunds”
Narration: Probably as long as lying was invented.
Greek Salesman Dialogue: “Plague B-Gone charms! One silver a piece!”

Image: Rebecca shrugs her shoulders, rolling her eyes, as she stands in the center of the panel.
Rebecca Dialogue: “There tends to be some trends when it comes to health fraud and fakery.”

Image: A radioactive warning sign is in the center of the panel, surrounded by four objects, text and a small version of Rebecca. The text states “We put radium in everything!” The following products are shown, each labeled: toothpaste, hair cream, water (with the text “oh god why don’t” on the label”) and pottery (a small goblet). The chibi Rebecca says “I mean everything.”
Narration: Trend 1: A new substance is discovered or an old one becomes trendy and someone decides to sell it for its “health benefits.” (1)

Image: Three different examples are shown. The first is the drawing of a class of water with the label “raw water” and the description: “free dysentery in every bottle.” The second is a drawing of a vaccine shot with the label “anti-vax solutions” and the description “Diphtheria: the comeback kid!” The third is a small picture of the sun wearing sunglasses with the label “types of sun bathing” and the description “skin cancer? Never heard of her.” The drawing of the sun says “aw no.”
Narration: “Trend 2: Folks have been arguing that “All Natural” solutions are the golden ticket- for a pretty penny of course.

Image: A light skinned homeopath with a vest and a beard stands in front of a table with a snake and a bottle on it. The homeopath’s eyes are closed, and he speaks to the snake as if lecturing it. The snake replies.
Narration: Trend 3: Some strands of quackery just won’t die even when they fail to work. Homeopathy for example, keeps on kicking. (2)
Dialogue, Homeopath: “If I dilute your venom dozens of times, I can treat-”
Dialogue, Snake: “Abssssoultely nothing.”

Image: Rebecca stands in the middle of the panel, looking serious.
Rebecca Dialogue: “As silly as some of these remedies sound, quackery is dangerous.”

Image: Small cartoon drawings of measle viruses fill the panel.
Narration: Both on an individual level; patients can die from preventable/treatable conditions. (Measles, for example, has made a big come-back in the US with the rise of the Anti-Vax movement). (3)

Image: A diagram of a cartoon human is in the center of the panel, with lines dividing their brain into different color coded sections with numbers. On the right, there is text identifying a trait to correspond with each part. It reads as follows: “1. Prophecy 2. Intimidation. 3. Immortality 4. Mirth. 100% B.S)
Narration: But also at a societal level where it can uphold harmful ideas. Phrenology for example was used to uphold and codify scientific racism.

Narration: People have combatted quackery for ages and it’s easy to join their ranks. Here’s some ways to help.
Image Description: A duck wearing a lab coat floats in a body of water,
Dialogue, off screen: “...I don’t think that duck has a medical degree.”

Narration: 1. Be skeptical! Anyone can fall for quackery regardless of intelligence. Never assume you’re “too smart” to fall for fraud.
Image: A picture of Garfield on a computer screen appears. It is just his face looking straight forward. A cursor is a few centimeters away. Under Garfield text states as follows: “you are not immune to propaganda)

Narration: 2. Warn friends and family about fake treatments. Don’t shame people but be honest and clear about your concerns.
Image: A women with dark hair in moon buns and brown skin speaks to a man with light skin and freckles. She looks concerned, and he looks confused, holding a tablet in his hands. Behind them is living room furniture.

Narration: 3. The modern medical system has its problems but if anyone tries selling you something that “doctors are hiding from you” it's probably quackery.
Image: Rebecca wearing the same outfit as Fred from scooby doo, holds a mask in her hands. She faces a human sized duck, who is tied up and glaring at her, wearing the rest of the costume to which the mask belongs.
Rebecca Dialogue: “Just as I suspected…”

Narration: 4. If you see an obvious scam online, report it! Or draw it into your comic on medical scams. In parentheses under the box, text reads as follows: “no really, this is based on a real tiktok”
Image: A phone is pictured showing tiktok. On the screen is a woman with light skin and red hair hugging a large oak tree. The text says “tree vibrations for health” at the top and “health secrets at the bottom”

Citations:

Kang L, Pedersen N. Quackery : A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything. Workman Publishing; 2017.
Dotinga R. The lethal legacy of early 20th-century radiation quackery. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/the-lethal-legacy-of-early-20th-century-radiation-quackery/2020/02/14/ed1fd724-37c9-11ea-bf30-ad313e4ec754_story.html. Published February 14, 2020. Accessed March 29, 2024.
The worrying return of a nasty virus: Better awareness and access are needed to rebuild measles vaccination rates. Financial Times. January 29, 2024:22.
Rogers K. Phrenology | History, Theory, & Pseudoscience | Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Published March 14, 2024. Accessed April 8, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/phrenology

A Picture Worth 1000 Nonsense Words: AI Generated Images

r.kyserApril 19, 2024April 19, 2024

For a moment, let’s entertain a hypothetical. Let’s say you have an excellent paper on your hands about the impact of smoke on the lungs. Your team is about to submit it for publication: pretty exciting! When you get your paper back from the publisher, it’s mostly good news: they’re willing to publish your paper with the caveat that you add a diagram of the lungs to your paper as a visual aid of the systems impacted. The problem? You have no idea where you could acquire an image that would suit this task that wouldn’t potentially violate copyright.

With this conundrum, one of your coauthors suggests a solution: why not generate one? They have a subscription to Midjourney, the AI software that can generate images from text. Why not give Midjourney a summary of the diagram you need, have it generate it, and then use that for your paper. After checking the journal’s policies on AI (it’s allowed with disclosure), you do just that, glad to have quickly moved past that stumbling block.

Pretty great, right? It sure sounds like it, until you take a look at the images Midjourney generated. Because on closer inspection, there are some problems.

Below is an image I generated in CoPilot for this blog post. I didn’t ask it to do something as complicated as making a diagram of how smoking impacts the lungs; instead I asked for just a diagram of human lungs. Here is what I got, with my notes attached.

An image of an AI generated diagram of the lungs in a human women is featured with red text boxes pointing to errors. In the upper left, a box says "nonsense of gibberish text" and a red line points to oddly generated letters that mean nothing. Below it, another box reads "I don't know what this is supposed to be, but I don't think it's in the armpit" with a line pointing to what looks to be an organ with a flower pattern in it. Below that, another box reads "this heart is way too small for an adult" and the red line points to the heart on the diagram. On the left, the top red box reads "now the stomach does not reside in one's hair or arteries" with red lines pointing to a picture of the stomach that is falsely labeled as being in the hair or neck. Below that, a new box reads "what are the gold lines supposed to be in this diagram" and it points to yellow veins that run through the figure like the red and blue that usually denote the circulatory system. The last box on the right says "I have no idea what this is supposed to be" and points to what looks to be bone wrapped around a tube leading out of the bottom of the lungs.

Alright, so this might not be our best image. Thankfully, we have others. Let’s take a look at another image from the same prompt and see if it does a better job.

An image of an AI generated diagram of the lungs is featured with red text boxes pointing to errors. In the upper left, a box says "more nonsense text" and a red line points to oddly generated letters that mean nothing. On the right side, a box says "bubbles should not be in the lungs!" with a red line pointing to what looks to be odd bubbles inside the lungs. Below it, a red box reads "what are these small clumps/objects?" and it points to what looks to be red large bacteria and clumps on the lungs.

So what happened here? To explain how this image went terribly wrong, it’s best to start with an explanation of how AI actually works.

When we think of AI, we generally think of movies like The Terminator or The Matrix, where robots can fully think and make decisions, just like a human can. As cool (or terrifying depending on your point of view) as that is, such highly developed forms of artificial intelligence still solely exist in the realm of science fiction. What we call AI now is something known as generative AI. To vastly simplify the process, generative AI works as follows: you take a computer and feed it a large amount of information that resembles what you want it to possibly generate. This is known as “training data.” The AI then attempts to replicate images based on the original training data. (Vox made a video explaining this process much better than I can). So for example, if I feed an AI picture of cats, over time, it identifies aspects of cats across photos: fur, four legs, a tail, a nose,etc. After a period of time, it then generates images based on those qualities. And that’s how we get websites like “These Cats Do Not Exist.”

If you take a look at “These Cats Do Not Exist” you might notice something interesting: the quality of fake cat photos varies widely. Some of the cats it generates look like perfectly normal cats. Others appear slightly off; they might have odd proportions or too many paws. And a whole other contingent appears as what can best be described as eldritch monstrosities.

The reason for the errors in both our above images and our fake cats is due to the fact that the AI doesn’t understand what we are asking it to make. The bot has no concept of lungs as an organ, or cats as a creature; it merely recognizes aspects and characteristics of those concepts. This is why AI art and AI images can look impressive on the surface but fall apart under any scrutiny: the robot can mimic patterns well enough, but the details are much harder to replicate, especially when details vary so much between images. For example, consider these diagrams of human cells I had AI generate for this blog post.

A picture of an AI generated human cell. There are red boxes with text pointing out errors and issues in the image. The top box has the text "nonsense words. Some of these labels don't even point to anything" with two red lines pointing to a series of odd generated letters that mean nothing. Below that, a red box has the text "I have no idea what this is supposed to be" with a red line pointing to a round red ball. On the right side, a text box reads "is this supposed to be a mitochondria? Or is it loose pasta?" with a red line pointing to what looks to be a green penne noodle in the cell. Below that, a red text box reads "I don't think you can find a minature man inside the human cell" and a red line points to the upper torso and head of a man coming out of the cell.

Our AI doesn’t do bad in some regards: it understands the importance of a nucleus, and that a human cell should be round. This is pretty consistent across the images I had it make. But when it comes to showcasing other parts of the cell we run into trouble, given how differently such things are presented in other diagrams. The shape that one artist might decide to use for anaspect of a cell, another artist might draw entirely differently. The AI doesn’t understand the concept of a human cell, it is merely replicating images it’s been fed.

These errors can lead to embarrassing consequences. In March, a paper went viral for all the wrong reasons; the AI images the writers used had many of the flaws listed above, along with a picture of a mouse that was rather absurd. While the writers disclosed the use of AI, the fact these images passed peer review with nonsense text and other flaws, turned into a massive scandal. The paper was later retracted.

Let’s go back to our hypothetical. If you need images for your paper or project, instead of using AI, why not use some of Himmelfarb’s resources? On this Image Resources LibGuide, you will find multiple places to find reputable images, with clear copyright permissions. There are plenty of options from which to work.

As for our AI image generators? If you want to generate photos of cats, go ahead! But leave the scientific charts and images for humans.