Nigerian Scientist Chukwuma Akpu Revolutionizes Worm Mating Research with AI Breakthrough

Nigerian scientist Chukwuma Hilary Akpu has propelled the country into the global research spotlight with his pioneering study on worm mating behavior.

By harnessing artificial intelligence (AI), Akpu’s work is transforming biological research, offering a faster and more precise way to analyze animal behavior.

Moreso, his groundbreaking study, recently published in a top-tier scientific journal, highlights the power of AI in advancing genetics, neurobiology, and environmental science.

For years, scientists have relied on the microscopic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to study genetic and neural processes.

However, manually tracking these tiny organisms has been labor-intensive and inefficient. Akpu and his team tackled this challenge by developing an AI-powered tracking system based on YOLOv8 and an enhanced DeepSORT algorithm, achieving a remarkable 77% improvement in tracking accuracy.

Their innovative system also features an intelligent contact detection mechanism that accurately monitors worm interactions, a key factor in mating studies. By integrating the Segment Anything Model (SAM), Akpu’s team has set a new benchmark in AI-assisted biological research.

This breakthrough not only accelerates scientific discoveries but also positions Nigeria as a key player in AI-driven research.

Akpu’s success underscores the potential of Nigerian scientists to lead global advancements in technology and science, proving that innovation knows no boundaries.