Nigerian Scientist Breaks New Ground in AI-Driven Worm Behaviour Research
A Nigerian scientist, Chukwuma Hilary Akpu, has put the country on the global research map with his groundbreaking study on worm mating behaviour, using artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise biological research. Akpu’s work, recently published in an internationally recognised scientific journal, showcases how AI can be leveraged to advance the study of animal behaviour, unlocking insights that could have a far-reaching impact across multiple scientific fields.
From Nigeria to the Global Stage
For years, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which are tiny nematode worms, have been widely used by scientists to study genetics, neurobiology, and even environmental pollution. However, manually tracking these microscopic creatures has always been a tedious and time-consuming task. Enter Akpu and his team, who have developed a state-of-the-art AI-powered system to automate this process, saving researchers valuable time and significantly improving accuracy.
Harnessing AI for Scientific Advancement
The AI system at the heart of this innovation is powered by YOLOv8, a highly efficient object detection model. This technology allows scientists to instantly identify and track individual worms in video recordings, replacing the painstaking hours of manual observation.
But Akpu didn’t stop there. His team went a step further by enhancing DeepSORT, a widely recognised state-of-the-art object tracking algorithm. Outperforming such advanced models is a daunting challenge in AI research, yet Akpu’s modifications led to an astounding 77% improvement in tracking accuracy. This level of enhancement is almost unheard of, marking a major leap forward in automated animal behaviour analysis and cementing his work as a significant contribution to the field.
The system also features an intelligent contact detection mechanism, which accurately identifies when male and female worms make physical contact—an essential aspect of mating behaviour studies. Using advanced mathematical models, their proposed model calculates precise distances between worms to determine interactions. The incorporation of Segment Anything Model (SAM) further refines this process by improving object localisation and segmentation.
What This Means for Science and Nigeria’s Place in AI Research
This innovation isn’t just a win for scientists—it’s a win for Nigeria. Akpu’s research has the potential to transform biological studies, making it easier and faster to analyse mating behaviours, genetic patterns, and even the effects of environmental changes on organisms. With the ability to track worm interactions more effectively, scientists can now push the boundaries of research into genetics, neuroscience, and environmental science.
On a broader scale, this achievement solidifies Nigeria’s place in the world of AI-driven research. It proves that Nigerian scientists have what it takes to compete on a global level, leading the charge in technological and scientific advancements. Akpu’s success is a reminder that with the right support, young Nigerian researchers can break barriers and make groundbreaking contributions to the world.
As Nigeria continues to produce top minds in science and technology, Akpu’s work stands as a shining example of what is possible when innovation meets determination. His story is not just one of personal success—it is a testament to the immense potential of Nigerian talent on the world stage.
