Dear BrainCell Users,
We are pleased to announce the 2026 release of BrainCell, which brings several significant new capabilities to our simulation platform.
https://neuroalgebra.net/assets/BrainCell_WhatsNew
New Core Enhancements
• BrainCell AI Agent: Powered by the Claude API, we have introduced two new tools (a terminal agent and a desktop GUI panel) that can answer questions about the codebase, explain MOD file biophysics, and propose code modifications.
• Multi-cell Export: Simulation packages can now include multiple cells, with all biophysics, gap junctions, and synaptic connections fully preserved in the exported HOC files.
• Direct Morphology Import: Astrocyte and neuron morphologies can now be loaded directly from plain geometry files (HOC, SWC, ASC, ZIP) without requiring pre-generated nano-structure arrays.
• User-defined Simulations: A formal plugin framework now allows you to add your own simulation scenarios without modifying any core files.
• SimMyelinatedAxon The flagship addition to this release is SimMyelinatedAxon—a specialized simulation environment for studying potassium dynamics in myelinated peripheral axons. Key capabilities include: Full Schwann-cell geometry and radial $K^+$ diffusion via NEURON RxD. Interactive tools for manually drawing and defining myelinated regions.
Download & Support
The updated installer and full release notes are now available on the BrainCell download page.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or require assistance with the new features.
Best regards,
Leonid Savtchenko, UCL