About Worm Brain Sim
Touch a digital worm and watch 302 neurons fire in real time. Worm Brain Sim puts the complete neural connectome of C. elegans in your hands — the same tiny roundworm whose nervous system has been mapped more precisely than any other creature on Earth. Tap different parts of the body and the simulation shows exactly which neurons activate, how signals propagate, and where the chain reaction ends.
This is a genuine research-grade model, not a simplified cartoon. The connectome data comes from decades of actual neuroscience work, making it a rare case where a free browser app reflects the real state of the science. If you're exploring education apps that go deeper than surface-level facts, this one rewards curiosity — biology students, science teachers, and anyone who's ever wondered how a brain actually computes movement will find something concrete here.
No account needed, runs entirely in the browser, and works best on a tablet or desktop where you have room to explore the full neural map without crowding the touch targets.
How to use
Watch a virtual C. elegans worm controlled entirely by a simulated brain based on the real worm's neural connectome. • Click anywhere on the canvas to place food - the worm will sense and move toward it • Green dots at the top represent the worm's neurons - brighter dots show more active neurons • The worm is always "hungry" and will search for food automatically • When the worm hits screen edges, touch sensors activate and it changes direction • Use the toggle switch to show/hide the neural network visualization • Click the center button to reset the worm's position to the middle • Click the clear button to remove all placed food The worm moves and behaves based purely on neural activity - hunger neurons fire continuously, food-sensing neurons activate when near food, and touch sensors trigger when hitting boundaries. This demonstrates how complex behaviors emerge from simple neural networks.
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