Worm Tracker 2.0 is an open-source collaboration by the Schafer and Sternberg labs. We are producing free software to track and record a single moving worm. In short, the software uses a camera and motorized stage to follow a worm in a petri dish and output video, images, and a log of the worm's real-world travel coordinates. A separate but coordinated project analyzes the video and travel log to extract quantitative measurements of worm behavior.
Our first goal is to provide a single-worm tracking solution that works with a large set of available cameras and motorized stages and, at the same time, attempts to find a minimal-cost solution amongst hardware choices. Our second goal is to provide easy-to-use software that furnishes the full set of features available among current single-worm trackers. Our third and final goal is to produce a wealth of documentation enabling interested groups to extend Worm Tracker 2.0 both in its feature set as well as towards new and unrelated tracking projects.
We are currently completing work and testing on Worm Tracker 2.0 and expect to release the software towards the beginning of August 2007.
This page is undergoing updates to provide more information but, in the meanwhile, a PowerPoint presentation with additional information is available here:
For specific questions or to find out how you can join and contribute to our growing community of developers please contact us.
Ev Yemini ( Schafer Lab): eyemini AT ucsd.edu
Chris Cronin (Sternberg Lab): cjc AT caltech.edu