LuCelegans (Light-up C. elegans) Interactive Prototype

LuCelegans (Light-up C. elegans) Interactive Prototype

Eleni Gourgou (Engineering)

The first 3D interactive C. elegans nervous system prototype Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) nematode, broadly used worldwide in experimental biology, is the only organism of which the entire connectome is fully mapped. We propose to build the first interactive, realistic 3D prototype of a C. elegans worm with artistically functional neurons and neuronal circuits. This project will address neuroscience-related questions, explore the interaction between spectator/art object/performer/scientific specimen, and will be used in educational activities. We aspire to demonstrate the immense creative potential that emerges from the synergy of art, engineering, and science, inspired by the beauty and harmony of a living organism.