ARACHNE

ARACHNE simulates complex neuronal and astroglial networks using the NEURON simulation environment to enable computational studies of neural circuitry and extracellular volume-transmission.

Key Features:

• Integration with NEURON library: Integrates with the NEURON simulation environment to adopt realistic cell models for simulations.
• Support for neuronal and astroglial networks: Supports simulation of both neuronal (wired) and astroglial (extracellular volume-transmission driven) networks.
• Modular network construction: Provides a modular approach for constructing networks by selecting biophysical parameters and structural configurations.
• Remote computational kernel: Can connect to an optimized remote computational kernel hosted on a compute cluster for high-performance simulations.
• Versatility in network modeling: Allows combination of different network types and modeling of networks of arbitrary complexity.
• Performance optimization: Optimized for efficient execution of complex models.

Scientific Applications:

• Neuroscience research: Simulation of realistic neural network models to investigate brain function and dysfunction.
• Network optimization studies: Optimization and comparison of network configurations to assess effects of architectural arrangements on network behavior.
• Neuron–astrocyte interaction studies: Modeling interactions between neuronal and astroglial components, including extracellular volume-transmission.
• Educational purposes: Use in teaching computational neuroscience concepts via simulated networks.

Methodology:

Integrates with the NEURON library and uses a modular approach of selecting biophysical parameters and structural configurations, with optional offloading to an optimized remote computational kernel for simulation of neuronal (wired) and astroglial (extracellular volume-transmission driven) networks.