Nikon is reviewing the winning video in its Small World In Motion microscopy contest after scientists questioned whether it was generated or altered using AI. The dispute matters because the competition requires entries to be microscope footage and prohibits generative AI from creating content, raising concerns about fairness and the reliability of scientific images.

The winning entry, submitted by Tsinghua University researcher Dr Ning Xu, purports to show cilia moving in the airways of a child with a rare disease. Xu says AI helped distinguish features in reconstructed greyscale images but did not generate the footage, cilia or their movement; critics point to apparent changes in structures, unusual cilia size and a possible AI watermark. Nikon says Xu is co-operating and that it currently sees no rule violation, while it continues its investigation; the winner receives $3,000 (£2,250).