Nikon fights backlash to contest winner amid AI allegations — microscopists spot 'serious problems' with airway cilia shot at 100x

(Image credit: Nikon Small World in Motion 2026)

Critics claim a competition-winning video was made using AI

They cite unusual movements in the cells shown in the footage

Contest organizer Nikon says it is investigating

Last month, a video depicting airway cells in motion in a child’s body wowed the world and took home first prize in Nikon’s annual Small World in Motion competition. Yet the footage might not have been all that it seemed, with Nikon now reportedly investigating…