OpenWorm - an international project to create a computer model of a worm

OpenWorm is an attempt to build a complete simulation of a worm consisting of 302 nerve cells and 95 muscle cells.
The project started in early 2011 and currently continues to exist through the collaboration of scientists and programmers from the USA, Russia and Europe. All efforts are seen as the first step towards simulating large biological systems. To build the model, C. elegans worm was taken.

Biology of C. elegans Worm

Caenorhabditis elegans, usually abbreviated as C. elegans, is a free-living nematode (roundworm) about 1 mm long. C. elegans is one of the simplest organisms with a nervous system. The worm lives in moderate soil conditions and feeds on bacteria. Studies of this species in molecular biology and developmental biology began in 1974 with the work of Sydney Brenner. It is widely used as a model organism in research on genetics, neurophysiology, developmental biology, and computational biology.

OpenWorm Project

OpenWorm is seen not just as a model, but as the first artificial life form. The goal is to create a complete, biologically realistic worm emulation, from genes to behavior, by building a model of the body, nervous system, and worm environment. The motivation of the project is that only by reconstructing the body can it be understood. C. elegans was chosen because it is one of the smallest and most studied animals in biology. If the project is successful, it will be possible to imitate more complex life forms in the future. In 2014, models of a neural connection and muscle cells were created. On the project website3D interactive anatomical atlas of the worm is available. OpenWorm contributors are also developing the geppetto platform, designed to model entire organisms.