Nikon Re-Examines Winning Microscopy Video After AI Accusations

Summary

Nikon is re-examining Dr. Ning Xu’s winning entry in the Small World in Motion microscopy competition after scientists questioned whether the video contains AI-generated material. The video is presented as showing cilia, hair-like structures lining parts of the lungs, in tissue that Xu says came from a child with primary ciliary dyskinesia. Scientists including Edward Phelps cited purple structures that appear and disappear and green cilia whose apparent size does not match known biology. Nikon said it is reviewing the information supplied during its initial vetting and additional materials, while Xu has provided technical documentation about the microscopy equipment, imaging methods, and processing techniques. The contest rules prohibit AI-generated videos. Ian Donovan said Google Gemini detected an invisible SynthID watermark indicating that at least part of the video may be AI-generated. According to Nature, Xu acknowledged using an AI model during post-processing to distinguish and color structures with similar morphology, but denied violating the rules. His LinkedIn comments and profile were no longer available on October 1. Scientists said the dispute could be resolved if Xu releases the original raw grayscale video. Nikon had not provided a further response when the article was published.