AI tools in science boost individuals' impact but risk narrowing research diversity, highlighting a tension between personal gain and collective progress.

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A study of 40+ million academic papers reveals that scientists using AI tools publish 3x more papers and receive 5x more citations, advancing their careers faster. However, AI-augmented research covers narrower topical ground, clusters around data-rich problems, and generates weaker follow-on engagement. The analysis suggests AI automates tractable problems rather than expanding scientific frontiers, creating a tension between individual career advancement and collective scientific progress. Researchers warn of a self-reinforcing loop where scientists gravitate toward AI-friendly problems, potentially sacrificing originality for speed and homogenizing scientific inquiry.

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