photo shows a traffic signal with the yellow light lit, indicating caution

Can AI Do That? The Challenges, Limitations, and Opportunities of Generative AI

On By Matt ShipmanLeave a comment

There is a lot of discussion in the public sphere about how tools that use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate images and text will “disrupt” or “revolutionize” various industries – from journalism to advertising to education. There are also a lot of news stories detailing specific opportunities, challenges and limitations related to these tools. However, I’ve found few online resources that provide a relatively concise overview of those opportunities, challenges and limitations. So that’s what I’ll try to do here.

Continue reading “Can AI Do That? The Challenges, Limitations, and Opportunities of Generative AI” →
sheet of paper in a typewriter that has the words "artificial intelligence" typed on it

Why AI Writing Tools Are Useless for Science News

On By Matt Shipman2 Comments

There has been some discussion recently about ChatGPT, or its competitors, being used to take the place of human writers. I have good news: if you write about issues related to science, health or technology, you have nothing to worry about. These tools are simply not up to the task (yet). I want to talk about why.

Continue reading “Why AI Writing Tools Are Useless for Science News” →

In This Struggle For the Long Haul: A Q&A with Sami Grover

On By Matt ShipmanLeave a comment

It is easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless in the face of climate change. By the same token, it’s also easy to feel like you’re not doing enough, or that you should be overcome with guilt because of what you had for dinner or how you got to work. If you feel that way, you’re not alone.

A new book tackles these issues head on, and focuses on practical ways that people can figure out how they can make a difference. The book is We’re All Climate Hypocrites Now: How Embracing Our Limitations Can Unlock the Power of a Movement, by Sami Grover.

Continue reading “In This Struggle For the Long Haul: A Q&A with Sami Grover” →
seal

Should a Science Magazine Endorse a Political Candidate? Why Not?

On By Matt Shipman1 Comment

seal
This is a seal of approval. (Photo credit: Craig Adderley. He is not responsible for my awful pun.)

Scientific American has, for the first time, endorsed a presidential candidate. I have seen some commentators bemoaning this decision. I, however, believe that SciAm made the right call. Here’s why… Continue reading “Should a Science Magazine Endorse a Political Candidate? Why Not?” →

Resources For Anyone With Questions About COVID-19

On By Matt ShipmanLeave a comment

A lot of people have a lot of questions related to COVID-19. I shared a version of this note with friends and family, and some of them asked me to put it somewhere that would make it easier to share. I don’t have all the answers. But I can provide some basic background, and offer suggestions for places you can turn for additional information as we move forward. I’ll also provide what resources I can find that are relevant for both reporters and anyone interested in being a savvy consumer of news. Continue reading “Resources For Anyone With Questions About COVID-19” →

hand writing in reporter notebook

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Scientist

On By Matt Shipman4 Comments

Approximately one gazillion years ago, I wrote a piece including tips from reporters about how to prepare for interviews with scientists. While that post is useful, several people have recently asked me for more specific guidance on how to interview researchers. Specifically, they wanted to know not only how to prepare, but what sorts of questions to ask. Continue reading “Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Scientist” →