NIKON STRIPPED A MICROSCOPE CHAMPION — THE 'CELLS' WERE AI

Nikon disqualified the winning entry in its Small World in Motion microscopy video competition after concluding its use of generative AI broke the competition rules. The video, by Ning Xu, purported to show abnormal movement of cilia, the tiny hair-like structures in the airways of a child with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Scientists raised concerns within days of the September 15 first-place announcement, saying features in the video were biologically implausible and misrepresented how cilia move and look. Xu said in a now-deleted LinkedIn post that AI was used in post-processing to enhance features below the cilia without making anatomical claims. Nikon said on October 9 that, after re-evaluating the video and consulting judges, it had removed the win, stressing the decision was about eligibility, not Xu's reputation or intent, and first place was reassigned.