Computer Science

Directed Research Project Details

Determining Neural Network Control of Chemotaxis in C. elegans

Abstract

The research presented in this DRP demonstrates tools and analysis used to model the neural network which controls chemotaxis (behavior regulated by chemical stimulus) in C. elegans. This research involved training artificial neural networks based on observed C. elegans chemotaxis behavior, giving insight into the biological neural network. Software tools developed for this analysis perform several functions, including finding subnetworks between known functional neurons, training neural networks to adhere to biological inputs, and simulating C. elegans movement based on trained neural networks.