Nikon disqualifies winning microscopic video for generative AI use

Nikon disqualified Dr. Ning Xu's winning microscopic video for using generative AI in post-processing.

Xu admitted on LinkedIn to using an unsupervised neural network to visualize features in super-resolution optical images. The video originally depicted cilia moving in a child's airway.

Nguyen Nam Nhat's video now holds first place. Nikon stated it will revisit rules and evaluation procedures for future competitions, noting the decision does not judge the entrant's professional reputation or scientific contributions.