March 1, 2018 (Vol. 38, No. 5)
Rating:
Strong Points: Includes many examples, ability to create new circuits
Weak Points: Display is a bit awkward on phone
Platform:
iPad/iPhone/Android
Cost:
Free
Summary:
Using interactive simulations of neurons and neural networks, Neuronify is an effective educational app that lets students and researchers alike explore how electrical signals are passed among cells of the nervous system. Upon opening the app, users are walked through a series of simple tutorials that explain how to monitor the electrical activity of individual neurons and circuits, as well as how to add and remove components (such as leaky excitatory and inhibitory neurons) to create new circuits. The simulations use the integrate-and-fire model to model electrical activity through the circuits. Though the app provides users with great flexibility to create and explore their own circuits, the app also conveniently includes eleven example networks that illustrate concepts like feedback inhibition, spike train transformation, and the refractory period.