{
  "id": 9186648,
  "title": "Microscopic Universes Come Alive in Nikon’s Small World in Motion Contest",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/microscopic-universes-come-alive-in-nikons-small-world-in-motion",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T19:53:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Colossal",
    "slug": "colossal",
    "url": "https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2026/09/2026-nikon-small-world-in-motion-video-competition/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The annual Nikon Small World in Motion competition celebrated its 16th edition, showcasing stunning microscopic videos captured by researchers from around the globe. Dr. Ning Xu, a researcher based in Beijing, emerged as the winner with a remarkable video depicting the abnormal beating of airway cilia from a child suffering from Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). This genetic disorder affects respiratory function, and Dr. Xu believes that the competition transforms microscopy into a shared language.\n\nThe competition attracted over 340 video entries from 40 different countries, with a panel of esteemed scientists, researchers, and science communicators evaluating the submissions. The winning videos offer a glimpse into the microscopic world, revealing the beauty and complexity of life at its most fundamental level. The first-place video, \"Abnormal beating of airway cilia from a child with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia,\" stands out as a powerful representation of the competition's mission to highlight the wonders of the microscopic universe.\n\nHonorable mentions were awarded to several other noteworthy videos, including Cora A. Harris' depiction of MSG salt crystals forming in a solution, Nguyen Nam Nhat's exploration of a tiny roundworm and single-celled Dileptus, Gerd Günther's examination of alga (Volvox aureus) colonies in motion, and Benedikt Pleyer's study of jellyfish larvae suspended in water droplets. These videos not only demonstrate the diverse subjects explored in the competition but also underscore the importance of microscopy in advancing scientific understanding and appreciation of the natural world.\n\nAs the Nikon Small World in Motion competition concludes, the website will feature more winning videos for viewers to enjoy. Additionally, the Nikon Small World photo competition, which will announce its winners on October 21, promises to continue showcasing the beauty and intricacy of the microscopic universe, inspiring awe and curiosity in all who witness these miniature marvels.",
  "summary": "This year's cycle received more than 340 video entries from 40 different countries. Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Microscopic Universes Come Alive in Nikon’s Small World in Motion Contest appeared first on Colossal .",
  "key_points": [
    "Dr. Ning Xu wins 16th Nikon Small World in Motion contest with PCD video",
    "Over 340 video entries from 40 countries submitted",
    "Winning video reveals microscopic beauty of airway cilia"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}