This article explores the potential risks associated with using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images in the field of microscopy. It discusses the current state-of-the-art AI-based image-generation techniques and their limitations. It investigates the potential risks associated with the illegal use of AI-generated images, including their use in creating falsified scientific data and the consequences of such misuse. The article concludes by exploring possible solutions to mitigate these risks, such as implementing robust authentication methods and developing ethical guidelines for using and disseminating AI-generated images in the field of microscopy. Additionally, the article also presents the results of a survey involving 101 professionals, showing that the recognition of authentic and entirely AI-generated images is performed well. But, the detection of hybrid images could be improved.
Keywords: artificial intelligence; ethical guidelines; illegal use; image analysis; image generation; microscopy.
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