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Scientists created a robot made of Lego with a software simulation of a nematode’s neural connections. The nematode’s brain controlled the robot, responding to external stimuli in the same way as a worm. Caenorhabditis elegans is a non-parasitic nematode that feeds on microbes and is commonly used in scientific studies due to its similarity to humans. Nematodes are diverse with up to 500,000 species.
Anyone who has worked with computers is probably familiar with malicious software programs known as worms, which not only infect the host computer but also replicate themselves to attack others. But in 2014, a group of international scientists took the idea of “infection” one step further – and more literally. In collaboration with a project known as OpenWorm, the researchers loaded a software simulation of all of a nematode’s neural connections into a robot made of Lego. To everyone’s amazement, the robot moved, even though it had never been programmed to do so. In other words, the nematode’s brain, a roundworm known as Caenorhabditis elegans, began to control the robot in the same way it would have controlled its worm body. According to one report, the robot responded to external stimuli in the same way as a worm. “Nose stimulation disrupted forward motion,” the report said. “Touching the front and back touch sensors made the robot move forward and backward accordingly. Stimulating the food sensor made the robot move forward.” The result should only be the first step in a longer process to fully replicate the worm as a virtual entity.
The dirt on nematodes:
While most nematodes are parasitic, Caenorhabditis elegans is not; feeds on microbes.
Roundworms are commonly used in scientific studies because their neurons, muscles, intestines, and other tissues are very similar to those of humans.
Nematodes are one of the most diverse creatures in the world, with some estimates suggesting there could be as many as 500,000 species.
