Nikon photo contest winner faces backlash over AI use

The winning entry in Nikon's Small World in Motion contest is under review after scientists said the video contains structures inconsistent with normal cells and an AI watermark. Dr Ning Xu of Tsinghua University admitted using AI for image processing but denies generating the footage itself. Nikon says it currently sees no rule violations and will issue an update.

• Xu's video claims to show cilia in a child's airways
• Scientists say the cilia look too large and appear from nowhere
• A PhD student found an AI watermark in the source image
• Prize is $3,000; Nikon promises an update after review