Google Research and HHMI Janelia researchers have created the first complete digital map of the adult fruit fly's brain and central nervous system. The team used AI algorithms to combine millions of 2D images into a single 3D structure.
The resulting model, named MaleCNS v1.0, contains over 166,000 neurons, making it the largest reconstruction of nerve cells for this insect species. Google describes the achievement as a significant milestone in neuroscience to accelerate the understanding of brain function.
Following the publication, developers began using the model for gaming experiments. Programmer Alex Wormuth demonstrated a project where game frames stimulate sensory neurons, and nerve cell activity is mapped to in-game actions. Damage taken in Doom is used as reinforcement by stimulating two PPL101 dopamine cells.
Another developer, Jessica Paquette, tested the model with Super Mario 64. She noted that the project was created entirely using OpenAI's flagship agentic model GPT Astra.
