Nikon disqualified the video that had won its Small World In Motion microscopic imaging contest after finding generative AI had been used in the composition, a breach of the competition’s rules. The entry came from Dr Ning Xu of Tsinghua University and depicted cilia moving in the airway of a child with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Nikon said it reached the decision following a thorough re-evaluation of the submission and consultation with judges, and that it will review the contest’s rules and procedures. The company stressed the ruling related to contest compliance rather than a judgment on the entrant’s professional reputation or scientific contributions.
Several scientists and former judges flagged the video as inauthentic on social media and Nikon’s LinkedIn page, prompting the inquiry. University of Leicester clinician-scientist Dr Robert Hirst, an experienced PCD diagnostician, said he immediately recognised the footage as fabricated, arguing the cilia and cells did not resemble those from PCD patients. Xu acknowledged using AI and cooperated with Nikon’s investigation but maintained he believed his approach complied with the rules. The dispute has reverberated through patient groups, clinicians and researchers, highlighting tensions around AI use in scientific imaging and prompting calls for clearer contest guidelines.
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YouTuber Anthony Sistilli built a camera to track police cars using license plate recognition technology and posted videos about it. Police officers visited him to inquire about his intentions, highlighting concerns over surveillance and privacy. (gizmodo.com)
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Let's Encrypt will issue certificates with a default lifetime of 64 days starting February 2027, down from 90 days. The change aims to enhance security by reducing the risk of key compromise and mis-issuance. (letsencrypt.org)
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The US announced sweeping sanctions on the International Criminal Court, aiming to dismantle the institution and defend US sovereignty. The ICC condemned the measures as an assault on the rule of law and international legal order. (bbc.com)
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