Reinforcement learning (RL) is a class of artificial intelligence that works by taking actions in an environment and then learning from the outcome. In a new study, researchers asked whether an artificial agent could improve behavior in an animal, by learning to control a living nervous system. Using optogenetics to allow the RL agent to control C. elegans worm neurons, they were able to help the worms find food better. The team also gained clues as to how different parts of the C. elegans nervous system were involved in generating directed movement.

From Sharad Ramanathan, Gabriel Kreiman, and first author Chenguang Li. Read more at the MCB Dept. News page.