1. The Essence and Value of Scientific Writing

Writing scientific papers holds meaning beyond simply disseminating research findings. Writing is at the core of the scientific method and is the most common way researchers communicate their work with the world. But writing goes beyond organizing results -- it is also a tool for discovering new thoughts and ideas.

In the process of writing, we structurally and intentionally organize thoughts that are normally jumbled in our minds. By weaving years of research, data, and analysis into a single narrative, we clearly grasp the core message and impact of our work. This is not merely a philosophical claim -- there is actual scientific evidence to support it.

• Research shows that brain connectivity is more broadly activated when writing by hand.
• Handwriting has been found to have positive effects on learning and memory.

"This article is a call to continue recognizing the importance of scientific writing done directly by humans."

2. The Challenges and Questions of the LLM Era

Such arguments may sound somewhat anachronistic in 2025, the era of Large Language Models (LLMs). With the right prompt, LLMs can produce an entire paper in minutes (and even peer review reports). It seems like LLMs provide great help in quickly organizing results after the essential research work is done.

But there are important limitations here.

• LLMs cannot be held accountable, so they cannot be recognized as authors.
• Publishing papers written entirely by LLMs is not permitted. (Using LLMs for proofreading or editing is allowed, but must be disclosed.)

This raises an important question: "If writing is thinking, then isn't reading what an LLM wrote reading the LLM's thoughts rather than the researcher's?"

3. LLM Limitations and the Need for Verification

Current LLMs can make errors. This is called the "hallucination" phenomenon -- they can convincingly fabricate information that doesn't actually exist.

• Text generated by LLMs requires thorough verification.
  • References in particular must be checked one by one, as they often don't actually exist.

Considering this, it's questionable whether LLMs truly save time.

• Correcting and verifying LLM-written text may actually require more time and effort.
• You need to understand the logic and evidence to properly revise it.

These issues might be partially addressed by using LLMs trained only on scientific databases. However, only time will tell how effective this approach is.

4. Positive Uses for LLMs

That said, LLMs are not entirely unhelpful for scientific writing. Their value as tools clearly exists.

• Improving readability and grammar: Especially useful for researchers whose native language isn't English.
• Searching and summarizing diverse scientific papers: Quickly organizing vast materials.
• Brainstorming ideas: Helpful for organizing key points or generating new ideas.
• Overcoming writer's block: Suggesting alternatives when stuck or finding connections between seemingly unrelated topics.

"LLMs can be useful tools for improving readability and grammar, summarizing various papers, and organizing ideas."

5. The Irreplaceable Meaning of Human Writing

Nevertheless, delegating all writing to LLMs can rob researchers of an important opportunity.

• It prevents experiencing the creative and essential process of deeply reflecting on one's field and weaving research findings into a compelling narrative.
• These skills are essential competencies for researchers beyond just publishing papers.

"If we leave all writing to LLMs, we miss the creative, essential work of looking back at our field and turning our findings into a compelling story."

6. Conclusion: Writing by Humans, Thinking by Humans

In summary, scientific writing is not mere result reporting but a process of organizing and developing the researcher's thinking. LLMs can be excellent tools, but the experience of writing directly and the insights gained through that process cannot be replaced.

• Writing is thinking.
• No matter how advanced LLMs become, the researcher's unique cognition, creativity, and the growth opportunities gained through the process belong only to humans.

Reference Image

Handwriting and Brain Connectivity Research Image

Image description: EEG results comparing brain activation when writing by hand versus typing. Shows that handwriting activates a broader area of the brain.

Key Themes

• Scientific writing
• Human cognition and creativity
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Hallucination phenomenon
• Accountability and authorship
• LLMs as tools
• The intrinsic value of writing

"Writing is thinking."

This article reminds us, even in 2025 when LLMs have become commonplace, of the preciousness of the experience of humans writing directly.