Some researchers are sneaking hidden instructions into their academic papers—literally embedding white text that AI peer-review tools can read but humans can't. These prompts reportedly tell AI systems to avoid criticizing the work and focus on positive feedback. It's a shady workaround as more journals experiment with AI-assisted reviews, raising concerns about whether we can trust the process.

Editor’s Note: Peer review is supposed to be the gold standard for vetting research, but if scientists are gaming AI systems to dodge scrutiny, it undermines the whole system. This isn’t just about tech—it’s about whether we can believe what gets published, especially as AI plays a bigger role in science. If unchecked, it could lead to shoddy or even fraudulent work slipping through.