Neuronal Activity Visualization using Biologically Accurately Placed Neurons in WebGL

Abstract

This paper describes the design and development of a web interface used for an analysis of neural activities of the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) nematode, within the framework of the Si elegans project. The Si elegans project develops a platform, where the neural system of C. elegans is emulated in hardware and the physical worm together with the external environment is simulated in software. This platform allows for virtual execution of a variety of behavioural experiments of C. elegans. We use the herein described web interface to post-experimentally visualize the neural activity as well as the worm’s behaviour and allow for its deeper analysis. The web-page joins a 3D virtual environment with the 2D GUI in order to realistically visualize the worm and the emulated neural processes, along with additional configuration information. In the virtual environment, the locomotion of the worm is shown, including the motion of neurons. Visualizing the location of the neurons, the user can understand signal transmission among the neurons in a more intuitive way. In the 2D part, additional information about the neurons is displayed. Mainly, a grid of buttons that shows the actual spiking process of the neurons by colour changes and neuron specific voltage graphs following the potential evolution of selected neurons. We believe that this approach suits the exploration of small neuronal circuits, like is the ones of C. elegans.