BlenderNEURON

blenderNEURON is a tool to visualize and build 3D computational neuroscience models using Blender and NEURON simulator

Visualize NEURON models without modification

NEURON cell and network models with 3D morphology can be imported into Blender

Load any existing cell or network NEURON
model with 3D morphology
(Image from NEURON simulator built-in demo)

Import and inspect morphology
in Blender

Create morphology figures

Or activity animations

Edit Cell Models and Create Network Models

Once imported, Blender's rich set of 3D modeling tools can be used to modify cell and create network models

Edit cell model morphology

Position cell models within layers

Create synapses between cells based
on proximity

Add own contextual artifacts like
animals, brains, and electrodes

Share Interactive Versions of Your Model Online

Blender files can be uploaded to platforms like Sketchfab.com and shared as embedable widgets

Hippocampus CA1 Pyramidal Cell (From Migliore et. al. 2005) by JustasB on Sketchfab

Neocortical Column Model (from Traub et al. 2005) with Electrode by JustasB on Sketchfab

Mouse Olfactory Bulb Layers from Allen Mouse Brain Atlas (Sunkin et al., 2013) by JustasB on Sketchfab

Olfactory Bulb Mitral-Tufted-Granule Network from Birgiolas 2019 by JustasB on Sketchfab

Automate and Extend Open-Source Code

blenderNEURON is an open-source Python add-on for Blender. Automate large model creation using Python API and customize functionality by editing the add-on code

Automate large model creation
with Python API

Extend blenderNEURON with
your own Python-based add-ons

Download blenderNEURON

Visualization of Mitral Cells of Migliore et. al. 2005 Olfactory Bulb Model

Cross section of mouse olfactory bulb layers with cell somas distributed within layers and colored by cell type

Traub et. al. 2005 visualization of Thalamocortical Model

Migliore et. al. 2003 Pyramidal cell action potential propagation

Purkinje Cell model (from De Schutter & Bower 1994)

blenderNEURON is a tool to visualize and build 3D computational neuroscience models using Blender and NEURON simulator

Visualize NEURON models without modification

NEURON cell and network models with 3D morphology can be imported into Blender

Load any existing cell or network NEURON model with 3D morphology (Image from NEURON simulator built-in demo)

Import and inspect morphology in Blender

Create morphology figures

Or activity animations

Edit Cell Models and Create Network Models

Once imported, Blender's rich set of 3D modeling tools can be used to modify cell and create network models

Edit cell model morphology

Position cell models within layers

Create synapses between cells based on proximity

Add own contextual artifacts like animals, brains, and electrodes

Share Interactive Versions of Your Model Online

Blender files can be uploaded to platforms like Sketchfab.com and shared as embedable widgets

Automate and Extend Open-Source Code

blenderNEURON is an open-source Python add-on for Blender. Automate large model creation using Python API and customize functionality by editing the add-on code

Automate large model creation with Python API

Extend blenderNEURON with your own Python-based add-ons

Download blenderNEURON

Visualization of Mitral Cells of Migliore et. al. 2005 Olfactory Bulb Model

Cross section of mouse olfactory bulb layers with cell somas distributed within layers and colored by cell type

Traub et. al. 2005 visualization of Thalamocortical Model

Migliore et. al. 2003 Pyramidal cell action potential propagation

Purkinje Cell model (from De Schutter & Bower 1994)

Load any existing cell or network NEURON
model with 3D morphology
(Image from NEURON simulator built-in demo)

Import and inspect morphology
in Blender

Create synapses between cells based
on proximity

Add own contextual artifacts like
animals, brains, and electrodes

Automate large model creation
with Python API

Extend blenderNEURON with
your own Python-based add-ons