**Abstract:** The study by the research group led by Associate Researcher Lei Ma at the National Bioimaging Science Center of the Institute for Future Technology at Peking University, published in *Nature Computational Science* on December 16, 2024, introduces a novel data-driven integrative model of *Caenorhabditis elegans* (C. elegans) named BAAIWorm. This model aims to simulate the intricate interactions between the worm's brain, body, and environment, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the neural control mechanisms underlying behavior. The BAAIWorm model integrates a highly detailed and biophysically accurate neural network and a realistic body-environment interaction model, making it a significant advancement in the field of computational neuroscience. **Key Developments and Findings:** 1. **Development of a High-Fidelity Neural Network Model:** - The neural network model is based on the real physiological properties of C. elegans neurons, with each neuron represented as a multi-compartment model to simulate its structural and functional components, such as the soma and neurites. - The model incorporates precise electrophysiological characteristics and detailed synaptic and gap junction structures derived from experimental data, enhancing its biological accuracy and reliability. 2. **Realistic Body-Environment Interaction Model:** - The body model consists of 96 muscle cells, distributed symmetrically in four quadrants to ensure computational symmetry. - The researchers simulated thrust and resistance forces on the worm's surface to optimize computational efficiency and accurately reflect the interactions between the worm and its fluid environment. - The model successfully simulates *C. elegans* moving through a liquid environment in a manner that closely resembles the behavior of real worms. 3. **Closed-Loop Interaction System:** - The BAAIWorm model establishes a closed-loop interaction between the neural network and the body-environment system, allowing the simulation of complex behaviors such as the worm's zigzag motion towards food. - Environmental stimuli, such as food concentration, activate sensory neurons, which in turn trigger motor neurons to drive muscle contractions, generating coordinated movement patterns. - This closed-loop system enables real-time observation of the worm's trajectory, neural activity, and muscle signals, providing valuable insights into the dynamic processes that govern behavior. 4. **Structural Perturbation Experiments:** - The researchers conducted structural perturbation experiments on the neural network model, including the removal of neurites and the randomization of synaptic connection weights and positions. - These experiments revealed that the structural properties of the neural network significantly influence its activity patterns and behavioral outputs, offering a new perspective on how neural architecture drives behavior. 5. **Implications and Future Directions:** - The BAAIWorm model is a crucial platform for investigating neural control mechanisms, with its high biological similarity and real-time simulation capabilities opening new avenues for research. - The model can be further refined and expanded to incorporate more complex sensory inputs and behavioral data, potentially extending its application to a broader range of biological experiments. - As part of the "Digital Life" initiative at the National Bioimaging Science Center, the BAAIWorm model represents a significant step towards the integration of life sciences and computational intelligence. **Impact and Recognition:** - The *Nature Computational Science* journal also published a research brief titled "A simulated C. elegans with biophysically detailed neurons and muscle dynamics," highlighting the importance of this work. - Senior editor Ananya Rastogi and Padraig Gleeson from University College London, a reviewer and member of the OpenWorm team, provided positive evaluations of the study, underscoring its contribution to the field. - The research was supported by the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, with Dr. Mengdi Zhao and Dr. Ning Wang from the academy contributing as co-first authors. **Conclusion:** The BAAIWorm model, developed by Lei Ma's research group, is a groundbreaking tool that integrates detailed neural network simulations with realistic body-environment interactions to study the behavior of *C. elegans*. By providing a high-fidelity platform for exploring the neural control mechanisms, this model not only advances our understanding of the worm's behavior but also sets a precedent for the development of similar models for other organisms. The findings from this study have the potential to influence a wide range of research areas, from neuroscience to artificial intelligence, and pave the way for more sophisticated digital life models in the future.