A graduate of Mountain Top University (MTU), Nigerian scientist, Chukwuma Hilary (Junior), 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.
Hilary’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.
His team went a step further by enhancing DeepSORT, a widely recognised state-of-the-art object tracking algorithm.
Out-performing such advanced models is a daunting challenge in AI research, yet Hilary’s modifications led to an astounding 77 oer cent 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.
It would be recalled that 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.
Surprisingly, Hillary, a Nigerian Artificial Intelligence (AI) engineer, who had his first degree in Computer Science from the prestigious Mountain Top University, Prayer City, Ogun State, Nigeria, has developed a state-of-the-art AI-powered system to automate tracking of microscopic creatures, saving researchers valuable time and significantly improving accuracy.
This will also provide efficiency in Biological Research: The automated analysis tool developed in this research aims to replace the time-consuming manual worm analysis methods significantly increasing the scope and efficiency of studies in various biological disciplines that use C. elegans as a model organism, including neurobiology, developmental biology, and genetics.
Hilary, further revealed that the broader impact of this research lies in its potential to enhance understanding of biological processes and environmental interactions through more efficient and accurate analysis of C. elegans behaviour.
He added that in environmental monitoring, the study of C. elegans mating behaviour aids scientists in understanding the impact of environmental toxins on soil conditions.
Hilary said the automated analysis tool developed in this research can aid in a more efficient and comprehensive study of C. elegans mating behaviours, which in turn can provide insights into soil pollution.
On advancements in Computer Vision, the research, according to the Nigerian scientist, will contribute to the advancement of computer vision technologies by adapting and modifying world-class deep learning algorithms like YOLOv8 and DeepSORT.
Also, the development of a modified DeepSORT which improves its tracking accuracy raises the bar for further research in computer vision as well as explores the use of the Segment Anything Model (SAM) to improve the DeepSORT’s tracking accuracy.
His words: “The broader impact of this research lies in its potential to enhance our understanding of biological processes and environmental interactions through the research paper, biological researchers at the University of Reading were studying the mating patterns of worms to identify soil properties which lies within the university’s goal of combating climate change. This process often requires spending long hours, manually watching and recording events in worm videos. Our research proposes a system that automates this process for the researchers.
“Our proposed system includes the use of world-class AI algorithms alongside clever and novel custom algorithms which I developed. Moreover, an important contribution of the research lies in the modification of DeepSORT – a state-of-the-art AI algorithm.
“My modification to this algorithm resulted in a system that beats the default world-class algorithm by 77% as cited in the research paper. These results present a robust and efficient object tracking and analysis system which aids biological researchers in their attempt to study the relationship between worm mating patterns and characteristics in the soil, adding value to a greener and better world.”
Speaking on the breakthrough of his former student, the Vice Chancellor, Mountain Top University (MTU), Prof Elijah Adebowale Ayolabi said that MTU, a faith-based institution deeply committed to research and innovation, tutor their students to be solution providers through groundbreaking research projects that address contemporary issues.
He added that the institution remains steadfast in providing a comprehensive education that develops the intellectual, spiritual and entrepreneurial competencies of its students.
The VC said that at MTU, students are trained to rise up with boldness and the grace of God with a view to solving myriads of challenges bedevilling the country and world at large.
Ayolabi, said MTU has constantly been producing morally-sound and academically- excellent hardworking graduates, who are well equipped with the vocational skills to be self-independent and be employers of labour since its inception.
His words’ Our graduates have been shining examples of the vision of MTU, wherever they find themselves across the world. They are focused on life with integrity and determined to make society better than they met it. Likewise, MTU has achieved recognition as the top-ranked institution in Nigeria and gained global recognition for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4—Quality Education, as assessed by the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking.
“The university also excelled in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), achieving high rankings in Nigeria, adding that accolades underscore MTU’s commitment to setting new benchmarks in educational excellence. We stand proud of our achievements and the impact we have made in the academic and social spheres in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
Our university has a distinguished record of being one of Nigeria’s leading private institutions of higher learning while our students are rated among the best this nation can boast of.”