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Nikon is reviewing its Small World in Motion contest rules after the original winner’s video was found to violate regulations on generative AI. The first-place entry by Dr. Ning Xu claimed to show cilia moving in a child’s airway with PCD, but online skepticism led Nikon to investigate the authenticity of the footage.
Dr. Xu admitted via LinkedIn that he used an unsupervised neural-network method for AI-assisted post-processing to visualize features from his images. Consequently, his video has been disqualified and removed from the website, while a new entry by Nguyen Nam Nhat now holds first place.
Nikon stated it plans to update its evaluation procedures for future entries. The company clarified that this decision should not be seen as a judgment on Dr. Xu’s professional reputation or scientific contributions.
Source: The Verge • Stevie Bonifield • October 9, 2026