June 1, 2007 (Vol. 27, No. 11)
URL:
http://simtk.org/xml/index.xml
Rating:
Strong Points: Very interesting simulations
Weak Points: Appears to be ‘techier’ than necessary
Summary:
Here’s a site that needs a little ‘splainin,’ as Ricky Ricardo used to say to Lucy. SimTK is the home of a software framework from Simbios, which is an “NIH Center for Biomedical Computing focusing on Physics-based Simulation of Biological Structures.” At SimTK, one will find a set of interesting “projects” which contain outstanding biomolecular simulations that can be downloaded and or modified. Indeed, clinicians are encouraged to use the simulations and developers are encouraged to contribute to the projects. At the present time, there are four simulations available—RNA folding, Myosin Dynamics, Cardiovascular Dynamics, and Neuromuscular Biomechanics. Be forewarned—the simulations require rather lengthy downloads, though one can see simple molecular simulations in the browser first, if desired. All in all, I’d like to see a bit less ‘techy’ setup for the software, which is presumably aimed at nonpractitioners.