Opinion: STAT+: Is AI more a partner, competitor, or crutch for biomedical scientists?

Oct. 29, 2026 Knoepfler is a professor of cell biology and human anatomy at UC Davis School of Medicine and author of Lab Dish, a STAT column about regenerative medicine. Worried about artificial intelligence destroying all of humanity soon, or, alternatively, turning your toaster or other home appliances against you? For the moment, I’m most concerned about what it might be doing to science, specifically the biomedical sciences and especially us biologists. I’m excited about how useful AI can be. However, I’m also deeply concerned about its potential impacts, especially for new and future biologists who “grow up” doing science with AI. There’s reason to think that overdependence on AI could make us less capable as researchers. Then there are potential job losses in science due to AI. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe