AI assistance used in nearly 90% of recent biomedical research papers

Researchers at the University of Tübingen’s Hertie Institute for AI in Brain Health have found that nearly 90% of recent open-access biomedical research articles were authored with the assistance of artificial intelligence. By analyzing 1.1 million English-language texts for specific linguistic markers frequently used by models like ChatGPT—such as “delves,” “exacerbating,” and “invaluable”—the study tracked a rapid increase in AI usage from 19% in 2023 to 77% in 2025.

AI integration varies by section of the paper, appearing most frequently in abstracts (68%) and introductions (63%). The data shows a significant geographic divide: researchers in non-English speaking countries, including China, South Korea, and Taiwan, reported AI assistance rates exceeding 80%. In these regions, AI tools serve as vital aids for overcoming language barriers by providing immediate feedback on grammar and style.

While these tools assist with brainstorming and linguistic precision, experts warn of potential risks, including AI “hallucinations.” The rise in AI-assisted content has also sparked discussions regarding the quality of academic writing and the potential for generic, wordy content to diminish the value of published research.