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In the winning video of Nikon’s Small World in Motion competition, Dr. Ning Xu captures the abnormal beating of airway cilia from a child with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)—a genetic disorder affecting respiratory function. “When people watch cilia beating, they immediately understand that something beautiful and important is happening inside us,” says the Beijing-based researcher. “I think this competition turns microscopy into a shared language.”

The marvelous sight is just one of the notable videos from the annual competition, which just celebrated its 16th cycle. This year’s panel welcomed esteemed scientists, researchers, and science communicators who evaluated more than 340 video entries from 40 different countries. Watch more winning videos on the contest’s website and stay posted for winners of the Nikon Small World photo competition, which will be announced on October 21.

1st place: Dr. Ning Xu (China). Abnormal beating of airway cilia from a child with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD), a genetic disorder affecting respiratory function

Honorable mention: Cora A. Harris (U.S.). MSG salt crystals forming in drops of solution

2nd place: Nguyen Nam Nhat (Vietnam). A tiny roundworm and a single-celled Dileptus explore their microscopic world

Honorable mention: Gerd Günther (Germany). Alga (Volvox aureus) colonies in motion

3rd place: Benedikt Pleyer (Germany). Jellyfish larvae suspended in water droplets

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