Nikon Small World Contest: Winning Video Faces AI Allegations

Scientists have questioned the authenticity of the winning entry in Nikon’s 15‑year‑old Small World In Motion contest, alleging the video was altered using generative artificial intelligence.

The contest, which invites researchers to share microscope footage of microscopic subjects, awarded a short clip filmed by Dr Ning Xu, a Tsinghua University researcher, for a child suffering from a rare airway disease. The clip—showing hair‑like cilia moving inside the airway—was praised for its vivid colour and clarity, achieved by manipulating grayscale imagery before adding dyes.

However, other scientists pointed out that some cilia appear too large and “pop in and out” of the frame, suggesting synthetic manipulation. Dr Xu denies that generative AI was used to create the biological structures, but admits a computer model helped distinguish and visualise features in the grayscale images before colourisation.

Nikon has opened an inquiry, stating that the footage was taken under a microscope and that no rules were breached. Former judge Patrick Hickey, who finished fifth in a previous contest, warned that if the video was altered it would be unfair to other entrants, potentially undermining the contest’s credibility. Nikon maintains that the procedure remains in line with its guidelines and promises an update as the investigation proceeds.