OpenWorm is an open source project dedicated to creating a virtual Caenorhabditis elegans nematode in a computer.
The aim of the OpenWorm project is not to model the behaviour of the worm directly, but to understand how macroscopic behaviour emerges through the underlying physiological processes.
The complexity of computational neuroscience and biology make it extremely difficult to sort through the myriad of facts, data, and biological processes that are uncovered on a daily basis by researchers around the world. OpenWorm believes that the challenges of solving brain simulation, even for the simplest of model organisms, require open access and collaborative solutions.
Therefore, building a model that behaves in an identical manner to C. elegans is necessary, but not sufficient. Traditionally, artificial intelligence research has attempted to reproduce human-like intelligence without simulating the physiological processes of the brain.
Similarly, one can attempt to directly model the behaviour of the worm without the underlying biological elements. However, such a model, even if reproduces the macroscopic behaviour of the worm would provide limited scientific value. Biologists would be unable to relate the measurements they make in the lab to variables in the simulation.
OpenWorm is developing a simulation framework that enables the creation of a family of worm models. Each model created by different groups should be evaluated with respect to the original purpose of the research.
Moving forward, to provide help for the evaluation process the project will feature a movement and a physiological testing tool, these will enable the scientific community to evaluate their hypothesis directly on OpenWorm models.
See What’s Next in Tech With the Fast Forward Newsletter
Tweets From @varindiamag
Nothing to see here - yet
When they Tweet, their Tweets will show up here.
