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Is writing with AI at work undermining your credibility?

With over 75% of professionals using AI in their daily work, writing and editing messages with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude has become a commonplace practice. While generative AI tools are seen to make writing easier, are they effective for communicating between managers and employees? A new study of 1,100 professionals reveals a critical paradox in workplace communications: AI tools can make managers’ emails more professional, but regular use can undermine trust between them and their employees. “We see a tension between perceptions of message quality and perceptions of the sender,” said Anthony Coman, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business and study co-author. “Despite positive impressions of professionalism in AI-assisted writing, managers who use AI for routine communication tasks put their trustworthiness at risk when using medium- to high-levels of AI assistance." In the study published in the International Journal of Business Communication, Coman and his co-author, Peter Cardon, Ph.D., of the University of Southern California, surveyed professionals about how they viewed emails that they were told were written with low, medium and high AI assistance. Survey participants were asked to evaluate different AI-written versions of a congratulatory message on both their perception of the message content and their perception of the sender. While AI-assisted writing was generally seen as efficient, effective, and professional, Coman and Cardon found a “perception gap” in messages that were written by managers versus those written by employees. “When people evaluate their own use of AI, they tend to rate their use similarly across low, medium and high levels of assistance,” Coman explained. “However, when rating other’s use, magnitude becomes important. Overall, professionals view their own AI use leniently, yet they are more skeptical of the same levels of assistance when used by supervisors.” While low levels of AI help, like grammar or editing, were generally acceptable, higher levels of assistance triggered negative perceptions. The perception gap is especially significant when employees perceive higher levels of AI writing, bringing into question the authorship, integrity, caring and competency of their manager. The impact on trust was substantial: Only 40% to 52% of employees viewed supervisors as sincere when they used high levels of AI, compared to 83% for low-assistance messages. Similarly, while 95% found low-AI supervisor messages professional, this dropped to 69-73% when supervisors relied heavily on AI tools. The findings reveal employees can often detect AI-generated content and interpret its use as laziness or lack of caring. When supervisors rely heavily on AI for messages like team congratulations or motivational communications, employees perceive them as less sincere and question their leadership abilities. “In some cases, AI-assisted writing can undermine perceptions of traits linked to a supervisor’s trustworthiness,” Coman noted, specifically citing impacts on perceived ability and integrity, both key components of cognitive-based trust. The study suggests managers should carefully consider message type, level of AI assistance and relational context before using AI in their writing. While AI may be appropriate and professionally received for informational or routine communications, like meeting reminders or factual announcements, relationship-oriented messages requiring empathy, praise, congratulations, motivation or personal feedback are better handled with minimal technological intervention.

A Century and a Half of Connectivity: Professor Mojtaba Vaezi Reflects on the Evolution and Future of Communication Technology

On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell spoke the first words ever transmitted over telephone: “Mr. Watson, come here; I want you.” This simple request to Bell’s assistant, Thomas Watson, marked a significant milestone in direct person-to-person communication. Now, 150 years later, this message has paved the way for advanced cellular technology in the form of satellites, wireless networks and the personal devices we carry everywhere. For Mojtaba Vaezi, PhD, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Villanova University and director of the Wireless Networking Laboratory, Bell’s few words spoken over telephone marked the beginning of an ongoing technological revolution. “One hundred fifty years ago when telephone communication first started, there was essentially a wired line and a transmitting voice,” said Dr. Vaezi. “That simple, basic transmission has transformed the field of communication technology in unimaginable ways.” According to Dr. Vaezi, five shifts have defined the past century and a half of communication technology: wired devices to wireless, analog to digital, voice to data, fixed landlines to mobile phones and human-to-human communication giving way to an increasing focus on machines and artificial intelligence. Early wireless networks were built around one device per person. Today's networks must support multiple devices per person, plus the technology behind innovations such as smart homes, driverless cars and even remote surgery. “Applications are much more diverse now, so communication has to follow,” said Dr. Vaezi. “A big portion of communication now, in terms of number of connections to the network, is from machine to machine—not human to human or even human to machine." The growing number of connections can cause a host of issues for users. When multiple users share the same wireless spectrum simultaneously, their signals interfere with one another—a problem that is becoming more acute as the number of connected devices increases exponentially. Dr. Vaezi’s research at Villanova focuses on developing techniques that allow multiple users to transmit messages on the same frequency at the same time and still be understood. Another vibrant research area of Dr. Vaezi’s involves Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). This field of study focuses on integrating wireless communications and radar so they can function within the same spectrum. “Historically, radar and wireless communication work in different bandwidths or spectrums and use separate devices. Although they are related, they happen in different fields,” said Dr. Vaezi. “Almost every communication scheme that has been developed has focused on this: How can we better utilize the spectrum?” ISAC is increasingly important as new innovations like driverless cars become fixtures in everyday life. These vehicles rely on radar to continuously scan for hazards, and when a hazard is detected, a signal must be sent to trigger safety mechanisms. Currently, the radar and communications systems operate on separate bandwidths using separate hardware. Dr. Vaezi's research explores how both functions could be housed in a single device running on one shared spectrum. Areas of study like Dr. Vaezi’s that focus on machine to machine communication are becoming increasingly relevant as communication technology evolves and moves away from simple person to person messaging. As for the next big milestone in communications, Dr. Vaezi is looking ahead to the implementation of 6G by 2030, though he tempers expectations. For most users, the change will feel modest, amounting to slightly faster device speeds. The most massive shift with 6G will be the amount of added coverage in areas that previously did not have network accessibility. “Say you order a package and it’s coming from somewhere abroad,” explained Dr. Vaezi. “6G will add network coverage over oceans, so you’ll be able to track your package in real time using that satellite technology.” The sixth generation of cellular technology will continue to connect our world and optimize current communications to accommodate more users and devices that need network access each day. It is far different from Alexander Graham Bell’s historic phone call 150 years ago. That brief exchange over a single wired line laid the groundwork for a communications ecosystem that now supports billions of devices, complex data networks and emerging technologies yet to be seen. It also serves as a reminder that despite how far communication technology has come, and how complex it has gotten, it all shares a common, simple goal: to transmit information from one point to another.

Hospitals Pursue Excellence as ChristianaCare Earns Seven Beacon Awards

Seven ChristianaCare nursing units have earned the AACN Beacon Award for Excellence — one of the nation’s highest honors for delivering top-quality care. This recognition comes at a time when hospitals nationwide are working to stabilize their nursing workforce, strengthen leadership and deliver consistent, high‑quality care amid ongoing burnout and staffing pressures. Interviews are available with Danielle Weber, DNP, MSM, RN BC, NEA BC, chief nurse executive at ChristianaCare, who can discuss how ChristianaCare is driving quality and setting national standards during challenging times.

Strategic Closure of Strait of Hormuz Puts Pressure on US, Threatens Global Oil Trade Stability

Less than a week after the onset of the war in Iran, and amid escalating conflict in the region, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping tankers moving oil from the Middle East by threatening attacks against any vessel who entered the waterway. Thus, the small body of water, which moves a large percentage of the world’s crude oil, has become one of the most discussed places in the world in recent days. Frank Galgano, PhD, is a professor of Geography and the Environment at Villanova University. He is an expert in military and Middle East geography and has also studied global maritime shipping and access to natural resources. Dr. Galgano says there geographic, geopolitical, military and economic factors at play, along with widespread potential consequences, as Iran holds steady on their closure of the strait and the U.S. considers how, or if, it will attempt to help escort oil ships through. Geography and Significance of Strait of Hormuz Situated between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south, the Strait of Hormuz is a narrow shipping lane that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and, further out, the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most vital chokepoints in the Middle East, along with the Suez Canal, Straits of Tiran, Bab al-Mandab and the Turkish Straits. “Right now, because of oil, it is the most important,” Dr. Galgano said. “Every day, roughly 20 percent of global petrochemical use goes through Hormuz.” The strait itself is barely over 20 nautical miles at its narrowest, but only a small portion of that is shipping lanes. Depth constraints limit shipping to two lanes, each two miles wide, with a two-mile buffer between. “You’re essentially looking at all of that shipping constrained to six nautical miles, and the ships are relatively slow,” Dr. Galgano said. “There are usually about 14-25 tankers every 24 hours transiting the Gulf, so there is always a ship in line." By Iran threatening military action against any oil-carrying ships in Hormuz—and by shipping companies refusing to attempt to traverse it— one-fifth of the global oil trade is essentially cut off indefinitely. That is concerning, given that it takes very little to send global oil prices skyrocketing. Dr. Galgano referenced the 2010-11 Somali pirate issue that caused supertankers—which cost upward of $50,000 a day to operate—to be rerouted. “That alone caused gas prices to raise 10 cents per gallon,” he said. In this case, the biggest impact will be felt throughout Asia, which relies more heavily on oil imports. But the U.S., despite being the second-biggest producer of crude oil last year, will still feel significant effects, since oil is traded globally. “It takes these supertankers eight or 12 days to reach the East Coast from Hormuz,” Dr. Galgano said. “So, a few days later you might see diminished supplies, but there is a critical point where we would face a real shortage.” Attempting to Move Ships Through Hormuz Poses Huge Danger Unlike the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels attacks on Israeli ships and those belonging to its allies in the Red Sea last year, Iran itself has far more sophisticated weapons, along with a strong motive to do whatever it can to put pressure on the U.S. and involved allies. In addition to drones designed for attacking ships—like the ones used by Houthis—Iran also possesses Chinese and Russian anti-ship missiles, according to the professor. “Ships are very vulnerable,” he said, then referencing the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole by Al Qaeda operatives. “That was just two guys in a rubber boat with an explosive device, and it almost sunk the whole ship. If one is carrying oil, it becomes almost like a large fuel bomb.” The United States has weighed the idea of sending a convoy to help escort and protect these ships. They did as much in the late 1980s in Operation Earnest Will, in which President Reagan ordered Kuwaiti supertankers—which were being fired at—to reflag under the U.S. flag so the Navy could legally escort them. But weapons technology has changed, and while U.S. naval ships could certainly defend themselves, “supertankers are slow and it is still an incredibly dangerous operation,” Dr. Galgano said. “The convoy would have to be lucky 100 percent of the time. Iran would only have to be lucky once to hit a ship and cause an immediate fiasco, both physically and in the media.” Global Dependance on Shipped Goods According to Dr. Galgano, between 75 and 90 percent of all items you handle on a day-to-day basis come from inside the hull of a ship: shocks on your car, clothes on your back, or components of your computer. When shipment is disrupted, it can cause supply chain and cost issues. “During the pandemic, Ford was waiting on chips for F-150s, and HP was waiting in chemicals to make ink,” Dr. Galgano said. “Even the ship that got stuck in the Suez Canal a few years ago caused $10 billion in losses per day due to the backup.” For commodities like oil, the indefinite inability to utilize perhaps the most important shipping lanes in the world due to large scale conflict quickly raises the economic stakes to even greater levels. “Iran absolutely knows that, and they see this as a bargaining chip,” Dr. Galgano said. “Cause economic pain to force cessation of the attacks.”

Expert Insights: Environmental Risk in Times of Regulatory Change & Litigation Pressure

Environmental risks are becoming a central concern for organizations as regulations tighten, public expectations rise, and litigation related to environmental claims grows more common. Companies today must navigate a complex landscape where regulators, investors, and advocacy groups are paying closer attention to how environmental impacts are managed and reported. Recently, J.S. Held published the article, Environmental Claims and Disputes: Navigating Regulatory Change and Litigation Pressure, led by environmental risk and compliance expert Kimberly Logue Ortega. In this article, experts from J.S. Held share practical insights for insurance professionals and legal advisors on identifying environmental risks across industries and preparing for environmental disputes before they escalate. It examines how this increased scrutiny is creating new legal and financial pressures, particularly when organizations fail to comply with evolving regulations or when environmental claims made in public disclosures are challenged. A key issue is the growing focus on corporate environmental statements and sustainability reporting. Businesses face potential consequences whether they overstate environmental achievements, commonly referred to as “greenwashing" or avoid discussing them altogether. Without strong governance systems, clear internal oversight, and transparent reporting processes, organizations may expose themselves to regulatory penalties, legal disputes, and reputational damage. The article emphasizes that effective environmental governance is no longer simply a compliance exercise but an essential part of responsible corporate management. Kimberly Logue Ortega specializes in environmental risk and compliance. With over fifteen years of experience in the areas of environmental and natural resources law, Ms. Logue provides consulting and expert services for industrial facilities and law firms throughout the country. She has extensive experience with assessing and managing potential and ongoing compliance obligations. She routinely supports clients and media on rulemaking and legislative efforts focused on environmental and natural resources issues. View her profile As environmental regulations and stakeholder expectations continue to evolve, organizations that proactively strengthen their compliance frameworks and reporting practices will be better positioned to manage risk and build trust. The full report offers deeper insights into how companies can navigate regulatory change, reduce exposure to environmental claims, and develop stronger governance strategies in an increasingly complex landscape. To explore the topic further, simply connect with Kimberly through her icon below.

MedPage Today: Ozzy Osbourne shined a light on Parkinson’s stigma

Ozzy Osbourne was best known for two things: his shape-shifting resilience as a pioneer of heavy metal music and, most recently, his remarkable authenticity during his public journey with Parkinson's disease. Osbourne, who passed away on July 22, possessed a unique ability to connect directly with people who were suffering. He was an honest and transparent voice for what it was like to live with a neurodegenerative disease. He was willing to go where others would not, and he took on the stigma of a Parkinson's diagnosis. Stigma remains one of the most underrecognized yet pervasive challenges in Parkinson's disease. Far too often, individuals are made to feel ashamed of their visible symptoms like tremors, facial masking, or soft speech. This reality can lead to social withdrawal, depression, and even delayed medical care. Research has shown that perceived stigma is not only linked to reduced quality of life, but it also correlates with worse outcomes. That's why, when someone like Osbourne rises up and speaks out, it matters. It sends a powerful message that Parkinson's does not define a person, and that no one should suffer in silence. Many people with Parkinson's disease choose to conceal their diagnosis from those closest to them. A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that nearly 23% of participants kept their condition hidden, even from family members. Broader surveys have suggested that more than half of individuals with Parkinson's disease may conceal symptoms, mask tremors, or avoid public situations due to stigma and fear of judgment. People who hide their diagnosis frequently report lower social support, reduced engagement in physical activity, and significantly worse emotional well-being. These findings underscore how pervasive and harmful disclosure avoidance can be.

Housing Shortage Could Cost NY Politically

Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, was interviewed by the Investigative Post for the article: “Housing shortage could cost New York politically.” New York’s persistent housing shortage, driven in part by restrictive local zoning and slow homebuilding, is contributing to population loss that could cost the state two U.S. House seats after the 2030 Census as people relocate to more affordable areas. Levy said that because housing policy is handled town by town, many communities “become villages of no,” resisting new housing and exacerbating the problem.

Assisted by sniffer dogs and DNA sequencing, researchers discover three new truffle species

University of Florida biologists studying fungal evolution and ecology have discovered three new truffle species, including one capable of commanding hundreds of dollars per pound within culinary circles. “Our paper confirms what a lot of people had suspected for a long time, which is that the North American truffle species is genetically very distinct from its European relatives.” —Benjamin Lemmond, study co-author and a former UF student The researchers describe their discoveries in a Persoonia. Their work shakes up the Morchellaceae truffle family tree, with key insights related to perhaps the most commercially valuable truffle in North America, the Oregon black truffle. Gourmet chefs, who sometimes grate the odoriferous truffle over dishes or infuse butter with it, have been known to pay as much as $800 per pound for the delicacy. For decades, the Oregon black truffle has been known scientifically as Leucangium carthusianum. It was originally found in Europe and later found in the Pacific Northwest, from California to British Columbia. However, recent genetic testing and field analysis by researchers from UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) revealed the North American variety is a distinct species. Scientists are giving this newly recognized species a name honoring the Cascadia region in which it is found: Leucangium cascadiense. “Our paper confirms what a lot of people had suspected for a long time, which is that the North American truffle species is genetically very distinct from its European relatives,” said study co-author Benjamin Lemmond, a former UF student. Lemmond, now a postdoctoral associate at the University of California at Berkeley, began his research into the truffles as a first-year doctoral student studying under professor Matthew Smith of the UF/IFAS plant pathology department. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lemmond couldn’t access the campus greenhouse where he was conducting an experiment, so Smith secured hundreds of dried truffle specimens from Oregon State University for him to study. The stash included slivers of the Oregon black truffle, a dark-colored, potato-shaped species with tiny, pyramid-shaped warts. When pandemic restrictions relaxed, Lemmond and Smith conducted genetic testing of the Oregon State specimens and others borrowed from Polish, Greek, Italian, French and Japanese collections. Their tests indicated Oregon black truffles from North America had at one point diverged from their European counterparts on the Morchellaceae evolutionary tree, according to the study. They also established the existence of another distinct and very rare species, Imaia kuwohiensis, a pale-colored truffle with dark warts, which is native to threatened spruce-fir habitats in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Their name for the truffle comes from the Cherokee word for the Great Smoky Mountains’ highest peak, Kuwohi. Field tests followed. The researchers wanted to understand the origin of Oregon black truffles’ energy. “Understanding the fundamental, basic biology and life cycle of this truffle is really important,” Lemmond said. “It’s a very valuable commodity, and this knowledge might help us to cultivate the truffle in the future. It also supports long-term conservation and management.” Most gourmet truffles are mycorrhizal, meaning they obtain energy from trees, Lemmond said. It had long been suspected that Oregon black truffles obtain energy through a symbiotic relationship with young Douglas fir trees, but no one had conclusively proven it. Lemmond traveled to the Pacific Northwest and worked with specially trained sniffer dogs capable of detecting truffles buried as deep as 10 inches beneath soil and leaf litter. With the dogs’ help, he unearthed Oregon black truffles nestled among Douglas fir stands. He used fluorescent stain that bonded with the fungal tissue, coloring it green to show where the truffle fungus grew between the cells of the tree root tissue. “The truffle fungi surround the whole root, but the fungus is healthy, and the plant is healthy,” Smith said. “The two trade nutrients back and forth.” DNA sequencing of the roots subsequently proved the truffles rely on the trees as their main source of carbon, according to the study. As the researchers conducted genome sequencing of the Oregon black truffle, they learned of a peculiar find reported by a citizen scientist on iNaturalist, an online science data network: a Leucangium truffle growing among Eastern hemlock trees in Oneida County, New York. It was the first time anyone had ever reported a Leucangium species in the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, Lemmond said. Lemmond contacted Purdue University, which was preserving the specimen, and requested a sample. The truffle’s physical characteristics, including its dense external hairs and lack of warts, distinguished it from other Leucangium species. DNA analysis confirmed significant variation, too. The researchers named the new truffle species Leucangium oneidaense to recognize the county where it was unearthed. A few years later, just before the researchers submitted their study for publication, someone found a second Leucangium oneidaense specimen growing in Massachusetts, Lemmond said. “It was great timing, and it suggests to me that there are still a lot of undiscovered truffles out there, waiting to be found,” he said.