In C. elegans, proprioception—the ability to sense and respond to body position and movement—plays a crucial role in coordinating smooth and adaptive locomotion. Proprioceptive feedback allows C. elegans to fine-tune its undulatory motion, adapting to different environments and obstacles. Specialized mechanosensory neurons and receptors within the body wall, such as TRP (transient receptor potential) channels, detect stretch and tension changes along the body. Our study explores the signaling pathways and receptors to uncover the molecular basis of proprioceptive-driven locomotion, enhancing our understanding of motor control and adaptation in more complex organisms. 

Studying how organisms navigate complex surroundings and obstacles is vital for understanding fundamental biological principles and evolutionary adaptations. It also fuels advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, urban planning, and environmental conservation. 

In our project, we specifically studied the way aquatic worms move. By focusing on these organisms, we aimed to understand their unique locomotion strategies when faced with obstacles and narrow spaces. This research not only sheds light on the fascinating abilities of aquatic worms but also contributes valuable information to the broader understanding of how different organisms navigate complex environments. By delving into the specific techniques employed by aquatic worms, we can draw comparisons and learn valuable lessons that might be applicable to various other biological systems and technological advancements. 

Many organisms employ undulating body movements for swimming, generating forward thrust to overcome drag or friction in their medium. Inspired by these biological mechanisms, we conducted a simple experiment. In our study, we examined the performance of an elastic rod-shaped object with a magnetic head, propelled by undulatory strokes through a sediment-filled environment. To observe both the soft robot and its impact on the medium, we conducted experiments in a hydrogel medium. Considering the high fluidity of the medium and the speed of the body, our research focused on locomotion strategies rooted in inertial hydrodynamics.

The everyday act of making ropes, twisting wires, or using twisted rubber bands in rubber band airplane and simple boats involves the fundamental concept of twisting filament objects. The energy stored in these twisted filaments depends on material properties such as elasticity and extensibility. This stored energy isn't trivial and can impact the functionality of various objects we encounter regularly. The same principle applies to the twisted DNA bundles inside cells. In our study, we investigated the twisting of two elastic filaments, exploring how the energy stored varies with the number of twists, the separation between filaments, and prestretched conditions. Our research delved into the stored energy concerning stretching, bending, and twisting. This study provides a foundational understanding and can be extended to more complex scenarios, including cases with multiple filaments and extreme cases such as the twisting of sheets.