Neuro Sandbox vs NeuroPhysMatrix

Neuro Sandbox is an interactive visual sandbox for exploring neural network dynamics. Build small networks by placing neurons, connecting synapses, and observing how activity flows through the system in real time. Neuro Sandbox is designed for students, researchers, and anyone interested in computational neuroscience who wants to see how network behavior emerges from simple rules. Rather than writing code, you interact directly with the network. Adjust parameters, introduce feedback loops, and watch how excitation, inhibition, and decay shape firing patterns over time. What you can do: • Build custom neural networks by adding and connecting neurons • Assign excitatory or inhibitory neuron types • Adjust basal firing rates and synaptic decay • Modify synaptic weights and observe their effects • Visualize spike propagation and firing dynamics • Monitor live firing rates and recent activity history • Explore simple Hebbian-style learning rules • Detect and pause runaway network behavior

NeuroPhysMatrix lets you explore neuronal action potentials, firing characteristics, ion channels, optogenetics, synaptic integration, neural circuits, and axon conduction by changing simulation parameters. An optogenetics simulation has been added to celebrate the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Change stimulus strength and duration, channel conductance, input location, and connection strength to see how membrane voltage and currents respond. SEVEN SIMULATIONS • Action Potential: Relate membrane voltage to Na⁺ and K⁺ currents, channel states, and ion movement. Explore refractoriness with paired stimuli, strength–duration curves, and recovery from Na⁺ inactivation. • Neuronal Firing Characteristics: Compare firing rate, adaptation, delayed firing, and rebound responses in representative neuron models. • Ion Channels: Use current clamp and voltage clamp to explore the relationship between membrane voltage and 14 representative channels and background currents. • Optogenetics: Compare light stimuli, photocurrents and membrane voltage with excitatory and inhibitory opsins, including ChR2, ArchT, eNpHR3.0 and GtACR2. • Synaptic Integration: Compare how input location, number, strength, timing, and dendritic morphology affect voltage responses. • Neural Circuits: Change excitatory and inhibitory connection strengths and transmission delays. Observe interactions through voltage traces and spike rasters. • Axon Conduction: Explore schematic models of myelinated and unmyelinated conduction and the effects of focal demyelination. KEEP RESULTS IN VIEW Change the time-axis range and observation time to connect waveforms with diagrams. Switch between Settings and Guide to review parameter meanings and key points while exploring results. PRO — ONE-TIME PURCHASE • Edit cell count, wiring, and the stimulated cell in neural circuits. • Edit dendritic branches, parent connections, length, and diameter. • Save and load named conditions, including inputs, in all seven workspaces. • Record experiment conditions and key measurements, compare numerical results, and export CSV. • Adjust action-potential conductances and use comparison features. • Hold ion-channel, optogenetic and dendritic waveforms to compare responses before and after changes. • Unlock five specialized neuron presets. Basic simulations, circuit and dendritic morphology presets, basic settings, and guides are free. Four foundational neuron presets are free; five additional presets are included in Pro. Available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in 10 languages. Waveforms and diagrams are computational models and schematic representations, not exact reproductions of a particular biological cell or patient. This app is not a medical device and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment.