Understand this story
Nikon has determined that the winning video in the Small World In Motion microphotography competition used generative AI in its composition, violating the competition rules, and has disqualified the entry. The winner was Dr. Xu Ning of Tsinghua University in China; the video he submitted showed cilia movement in the airway of a child with PCD. He admitted to using AI but believed it complied with the rules and cooperated with the investigation. Several scientists and former judges had previously questioned the video's authenticity on LinkedIn, with Robert Hirst of the University of Leicester saying he could tell at a glance that the video was fabricated. Nikon said it will re-examine the competition's rules and procedures, and stated that the disqualification does not represent a judgment on his professional reputation, scientific contributions, or intentions.
AI-generated from public reports
Latest development · Report
Nikon Microphotography Contest Winner Stripped of Award Over AI-Generated VideoDevelopments
1 confirmed developments
- Source:BBC Technology
Reports and discussion timeline
Browse reports and discussion by time. Their evidence levels remain distinct.
Oct 12
Hacker News Trending
Nikon Microphotography Contest Winner Stripped of Award Over AI-Generated Video
Nikon's 16th Small World in Motion microphotography competition has revoked the championship title of Dr. Ning Xu of Tsinghua University, whose work was deemed to violate the competition rules. Researchers pointed out that the cell structures in the video were abnormally sized and cilia appeared out of nowhere; Ian Donovan, a doctoral student at UT Southwestern, also found that the source image carried an AI-generation watermark. In a deleted LinkedIn post, Xu acknowledged using AI for post-processing but said AI was not used to generate the video itself; Nikon stated it will re-examine the rules and judging process for future competitions, and the championship was awarded instead to Nguyen Nam Nhat of Vietnam.
Oct 10
the_verge_ai
English translation is being prepared.
Oct 9
bbc_technology
English translation is being prepared.