What's new in Sim4Life.desktop

Sim4Life V9.0 is the latest version of our simulation platform for computational life science research, device design, and optimization, as well as safety and electromagnetic compliance evaluations. This release includes new and upgraded tools for artificial intelligence (AI-) driven segmentation, and the ability to launch simulations from the desktop and manage them in the cloud. Sim4Life V9.0 – available for both web and desktop – delivers more power, flexibility, and integration to your simulation workflows.

The highlights of Sim4Life.desktop V9.0:

• Cloud-Powered: Users can submit to the cloud and manage simulations directly from either the Sim4Life desktop or web interface.
• Advanced Anatomical Modeling and AI-Powered Tools: New and upgraded AI segmentation tools and solutions for head- and torso-related modeling.
• IMAnalyticsSuite V1.8: Powerful new tools designed to support the latest developments in implant safety assessment.

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Version History

Sim4Life is frequently updated. Updates are cumulative, so when you use the most recent version of Sim4Life.desktop, it has all the latest features. You can see all the new features included with each release below.

26 June 2025 (V9.0 release notes)

• Users can now submit to the cloud and manage simulations directly through either the Sim4Life desktop or web interface. This allows them to leverage scalable central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) resources on demand, accessing a nearly limitless pool of high-performance computing infrastructure. The platform features transparent job tracking, real-time cost monitoring, and one-click publishing, enabling users to effortlessly manage large-scale projects.
• New and enhanced AI-powered tools for image-based modeling, including features for head-related modeling, such as automatic electrode placement according to the 10-10 system and AI-driven registration of head atlases to the brain.
• Automated trunk segmentation and model creation from MRI/computed tomography (CT) images.
• Model history: A complete record of modeling operations is kept to allow users to easily navigate back and forth without having to repeatedly press Undo or Redo.
• Support for the "Aberra" neuron model collection has been added, which consists of 25 highly detailed and biophysically realistic computational models of human pyramidal neurons from different cortical layers. They can be downloaded via https://itis.swiss/research/cls/neuron/ and imported into Sim4Life.
• Enhanced posing capabilities for ViP models now allow users to also pose the back and neck. This feature will be successively enabled for different models, starting now with Duke, Ella, Billie, and Fats.
• IMAnalytics: B1 field analysis is enhanced with flexible slicing and visualization capabilities, including maximum intensity projections (MIPs) and customizable B1+ and B1- field views on arbitrary planes.
• IMAnalytics: New functions allow users to compute homogeneity metrics such as the coefficient of variation based on masked regions and to assess average B1+ or B1- within defined slabs around the isocenter.

14 April 2025 (V8.2.2 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V8.2. The release includes bug fixes and improvements.
  

14 November 2024 (V8.2 release notes)

• Four parameterized contact impedance models, each with adjustable parameters, are now available which can be integrated with excitation pulses applied to neuron or thermal simulations.
• New anatomical models include predefined postures for common scenarios, such as standing, sitting, driving, and holding a phone.
• Routing Tool: Assists users in defining implant routes in complex human anatomies by simulating diverse paths. It randomly creates multiple splines within an adjustable volume around a base spline.
• Check Wire Path Tool: Provides a visual summary of an implant's route by color-coding spline segments to indicate the tissues traversed.
• Python upgrade to version 3.11.9.
• Enhanced interface responsiveness for a better user experience.
• Models/Phantoms Menu: Provides easy access to extensive libraries of human and animal models from the ITIS Foundation, along with a phantoms database from SPEAG.
• A new suite of Python notebooks tailored to specific applications, showing step-by-step how to fully exploit the capabilities of our Modeling tools.
• Added quick access to context-relevant topics in the Manual from Sim4Life.

19 June 2024 (V8.0.1 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V8.0. The release includes bug fixes only.
  

14 March 2024 (V8.0 release notes)

• Multi-GPU support for the thermal solver.
• Generalized multiport simulations now supporting low-frequency EM and thermal solvers, in addition to FDTD.
• New VULKAN renderer for 3D visualizations.
• Rapid prediction of neural recruitment with Generalized Activating Function (two orders of magnitude speedup).

21 November 2023 (V7.2.4 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V7.2.3. The release includes bug fixes only.
  

20 July 2023 (V7.2.3 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V7.2.1. The release includes bug fixes only.
  

22 December 2022 (V7.2.1 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V7.2. The release includes bug fixes only.
  

13 December 2022 (V7.2 release notes)

• Sim4Life Python Scripting: Sim4Life’s integration with JupyterLab together with the upgrade to Python V3.8.
• Exposures: handling of pulsed exposures throughout Sim4Life, e.g., as modulated sources in thermal and neuro simulations.
• IMAnalytics Suite V1.2: new goal-oriented high-level application processing interface (API) for fast in silico evaluation and comparison with in vitro measurements.
• New tools to convert multi-channel pTx coil array models into virtual observation points (VOPs) for real-time safety control.
• Ultra-obese Virtual Population (ViP) models: three morbidly obese versions of the adult models Ella and Fats added to the ViP library.

6 October 2022 (V7.0.2 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V7.0.1. The release includes bug fixes only.
  

24 March 2022 (V7.0.1 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V7.0. The release includes bug fixes only.
  

2 March 2022 (V7.0 release notes)

• Module T-NEURO: faster by >10x, a new axon model, and an improved neuroscience-guided user interface.
• IMAnalytics Suite V1.0: now includes a novel Test Field Diversity (TFD) method for in vitro measurements.
• Sim4Life and DASY8/6: numerical models created with DASY8/6 Module mmWave V3.0+ can now be directly imported - without cumbersome validation - for further in silico evaluation.
• New solver-enhanced phantoms: accurate simulations of body-mounted 5G NR FR2 devices as well as computation of over-the-air performance and absorbed power densities without limitations.
• Smaller file sizes: results from full-wave simulations can now be automatically compressed, resulting in massive savings of up to 20x in file size.
• Eddie cV3.1: a new high-quality posable human male anatomical phantom has been added to the Virtual Population library.

5 October 2021 (V6.2.2 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V6.2.1. The release includes bug fixes only.
  

11 May 2021 (V6.2.1 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V6.2.1. The release includes bug fixes only.
  

23 February 2021 (V6.2 release notes)

• NeuroRat V4.0: the first neuro-functionalized animal model for neuro-electrophysiology simulations that can be posed and features detailed nerve trajectories.
• 5G Transmitter Design and Evaluation: user-defined codebooks (incl. phase configuration uncertainty) as part of our Maximum Exposure Optimizer, which now supports synchronized features with DASY6 Module mmWave and full compatibility with FDIS of IEC/IEEE 63195-1 and 63195-2.
• IP protection: effective collaboration while protecting intellectual properties (IP) of key active and passive components based on a unique Huygens source feature.
• New toolbox to generate implant routings for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety evaluations.

19 May 2020 (V5.2.2 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V5.2.1. The release includes bug fixes only.
  

28 February 2020 (V5.2.1 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V5.2. The release includes bug fixes only.
  

18 December 2019 (V5.2 release notes)

• Octree-based Adaptive Meshing Engine: new, robust meshing engine to mesh highly complex surface-based structures such as the anatomical models of the Virtual Population.
• 5G Transmitter Design and Evaluation: enhanced with the Total Exposure Ratio (TER) evaluator that allows to assess the cumulative exposure of all frequency bands operating between 100kHz - 110GHz according to the latest draft of the IEC/IEEE standard series.
• Python 3: Sim4Life is now available with either a Python 2 or with a Python 3 distribution and API.
• IMAnalytics: now also supports Tier 2 evaluations by providing owners of the MRIxViP field library with a streamlined and reproducible workflow for extracting field data in customized regions of interest, with derivation of all statistics necessary for Tier 2 of ISO/TS 10974.

18 September 2019 (V5.0.1 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V5.0. The release includes bug fixes only.
  

20 June 2019 (V5.0 release notes)

• Novel electromagnetics unstructured finite element method (FEM) low frequency solver suite: combined with mesher engines enable the meshing of highly complex CAE objects embedded in detailed anatomical environments such as the latest functionalized ViP models.
• GUI performance boosts in V5.0, making simulations of complex neurostimulation applications an every-day task in Sim4Life.
• Features enhancements of our 5G Toolkit, GUI/usability extensions, HPC/GPU boosts, data analysis/post-processing enhancements.
• Korean male Jeduk V3.1: new (neuro-)functionalized Virtual Population model.

27 November 2018 (V4.4 release notes)

• Coupled electromagnetic (EM) neuro multi-parameter optimization.
• Integration of the new Virtual Population (ViP) phantom Yoon-sun V4.0 that features neuro-functionalized nerve trajectories compatible with T-NEURO, modeled as splines and assigned nerve electrophysiology and neuroanatomy parameters.
• Robust Maximum Exposure algorithm for determining the largest power density of antenna arrays of any size on any arbitrary surface via a semi-analytical solver and five iterative optimization methods running in parallel

27 September 2018 (V4.2 release notes)

• SAPD algorithm: surface-average of power density using either norm or normal component of Poynting vector.
• New algorithm implementing Gamma dose comparison method.
• User-defined analysis pipelines allow saving postprocessing workflows.
• IMAnalytics v2: new features in Python Notebook, including normalization to B1 in slice and advanced plotting features

1 June 2018 (V4.0.1 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V4.0. The release includes bug fixes only.

20 February 2018 (V4.0 release notes)

• Novel multi-parameter and multi-goal optimization framework.
• Full integration and support for the NIMBIX Cloud platform.
• Graphical visualization of the circuit networks for matching, tuning, and decoupling of multiport simulations.
• Parallelization/HPC support for coupled EM-neuron dynamics modeling.

2 November 2017 (V3.4.3 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V3.4.2. The release includes bug fixes only.

11 September 2017 (V3.4.2 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V3.4.1. The release includes bug fixes only.

30 June 2017 (V3.4.1 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V3.4. The release includes bug fixes only.

7 June 2017 (V3.4 release notes)

• IMAnalytics Module:the unique solution for the comprehensive safety evaluation of implantable devices now shortening evaluation time from many weeks to just a few hours.
• Fastest Peak Spatial-Average SAR algorithm: highly efficient implementation of the IEEE/IEC62704-1 SAR averaging standard algorithm.
• Major speedup of the adaptive subgridding.
• New RCS (Radar Cross-Section) simulation/evaluation for large objects to calculate bi-static and mono-static RCS.

20 March 2017 (V3.2.4 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V3.2.3. The release includes bug fixes only.

9 January 2017 (V3.2.2 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V3.2.0. The release includes bug fixes only.

20 December 2016 (V3.2 release notes)

• New automated parametrization and sweeeping engine capable of performing all the tasks related to a given project (model generation, simulation, and analysis) in an independent environment.
• Novel adaptive subgridding algorithm which - in a fully automated manner - places an optimum arrangement of individual subgrids around any solid/mesh/CAD model, allowing for highest effectiveness in local mesh refinement.
• Unique and powerful toolbox to optimize and assess the performance of 5G solutions and demonstrate their compliance to international standards.
• Neuronal Dynamics Module extensions.

25 October 2016 (V3.0.2 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V3.0.1. The release includes bug fixes only.

25 July 2016 (V3.0.1 release notes)

• New physics-based poser engine for posing anatomical models based on biomechanical finite element method (FEM) simulations, now available for all models of the Virtual Population, allows for more robust results with challenging postures.
• Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) topological voxeler engine that is up to 20× faster than the old approach and achieves better results with coarser grids for discretization of complex/fine structures (>10× faster runtime for specific simulations).
• New solver: EM Low-Frequency Static Vector Potential Solver.
• New features for WPT applications: Coil wizard, surface current sources, a calculator for magnetic energy.
• Gradient Coil Designer allows MRI gradient coils to be designed for a given coil geometry and specifications.

4 March 2016 (V2.2.3 release notes)

• Maintenance release based on Sim4Life V2.2. The release includes bug fixes only.

8 December 2015 (V2.2 release notes)

• Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) solver: Debye, Lorentz, Drude, and generic dispersion models (electric and magnetic) along with an improved dispersive parameter fitting tool.
• P-ACOUSTICS module is now multi-GPU accelerated. It now also features dedicated modeling tools, which allow quick and intuitive setup of complex transducer arrays.
• IMSAFE-G module for assessment of MRI safety of active implanted medical devices with respect to gradient-induced fields.
• State-of-the-art solver based on the mode-matching technique (MMT) combined with the generalized scattering matrix (GSM).
• MATCH module for determination of S-Parameters, fields, and port parameters has been improved and allows extraction of all results w/o resimulation.

3 July 2015 (V2.0 release notes)

• Fully posable, high-fidelity, 3D computable Virtual Population anatomical models.
• Subgrid EM-FDTD engine that locally resolves the model at extreme detail with reduced simulation times and computationally supports its accuracy.
• New neuronal dynamics module that embeds realistic neuronal dynamics simulations into the simulation flows (coupled EM-neuronal dynamics). Additional solvers address acoustics and biofluidics.
• Framework enhancements such as the concurrent handling of meshes and NURBS, an entirely new and user friendly Python API, and a Workbench for complex analysis and visualization pipelines.

14 November 2014 (V1.2 release notes)

• Modeling: New Center Line extraction tool, enhanced REMESH tool for mesh editing, Mesh Doctor for inspection of triangle surface meshes.
• Simulation: New user-defined EM-FDTD, EM-QS and Thermal sources.
• Analysis: Far Field sensor, Smith Chart plot, Histogram viewer.
• Extended Python API

1 August 2014 (V1.0)

Launch of our new revolutionary simulation platform Sim4Life V1.0. Sim4Life integrates computable human phantoms with the most powerful physics solvers and the most advanced tissue models to directly analyze biological real-world phenomena and complex technical devices in a validated biological and anatomical environment. Architected with high performance computing enabled solvers and the most intuitive GUI, Sim4Life enables accurate coupled multiphysics simulations and endless customization for accelerating R&D activities, designing and optimizing medical devices and treatments, assessing safety and efficacy, enriching personalized medicine strategies, conducting mechanistic research, reducing costs, and achieving regulatory compliance.

What's new in Sim4Life.lite

Sim4Life.lite V8.4 is the latest version of the student edition of our online simulation platform for computational life science research, device design and optimization, as well as safety and electromagnetic compliance evaluations. This new release introduces significant improvements to enhance your simulation experience and makes Sim4Life more user-friendly and efficient.

The highlights of Sim4Life.lite V8.4:

• Refreshed Interface: The streamlined menu and drag-and-drop actions make starting and organizing projects easier.
• Simplified Neuro-Stimulation Settings: A single checkbox in the settings provides access to different tissue/electrode contact impedance models.

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Version History

11 March 2025 (V8.4)

• Selected new features
• Intuitive Project Organization
• New drag-and-drop functionality for managing simulations online, allowing users to effortlessly organize their workspaces and maintain an overview of multiple projects.
• Recovery of deleted items thanks to a new trash bin for projects, folders, and workspaces.
• Streamlined Platform Experience and Enhanced Ecosystem: “New” menu simplifies the creation of not only Sim4Life projects, but also of complementary iSeg and JupyterLab projects.
• Simplified Neuro-Stimulation Settings
• A single checkbox in the settings provides access to different tissue/electrode contact impedance models, making it easier to account for the effects of non-ideal interfaces on pulse shapes.
• Support for importing compressed .hoc data files, essential for users who want to modify neuron models from online sources such as ModelDB, the Human Brain Project (HBP), or the Allen Brain Institute for use in Sim4Life neuron simulations.
• Simplified full-screen mode improves usability.
• Front-end UI configurations are now stored in the backend.
• No longer broken
  • Fixed issue where service startup time was unnecessarily long.
  • Fixed issue where project/study remained locked until the page was refreshed.
  • Fixed issue where heavy dynamic services would fail to start.

14 November 2024 (V8.2)

• Final release of Sim4Life.lite V8.2
• Additional updates and improvements compared to V8.2 beta
• Improved Navigation: An intuitive new search toolbar simplifies the process of locating tools and resources, accessing them, or learning more through tutorial videos.
• Python upgrade to version to 3.11.9.
• A new suite of Python notebooks tailored to specific applications, showing step-by-step how to fully exploit the capabilities of Sim4Life.
• Fixed inconsistency in results when searching with different cases (lowercase or uppercase).
• Fixed issue with compiling Neuron mechanism files

10 October 2024 (V8.2 beta)

• Pre-release ahead of the main Sim4Life V8.2 Desktop and Web release
• Selected new features
• Introduced a new resource monitoring widget for CPU and RAM usage.
• Launched a new Help Center for advanced search.
• Added guided tours for first-time users.
• IPython-based Python console for simple scripting tasks.
• Persistent preferences across projects.
• Upgrade to Neuron Solver 8.2.6.
• Performance and usability enhancements
• Speed improvements in tree navigation for projects with many entities.
• Faster application startup using compressed project files.
• Completely revamped the video streaming backend for increased stability.
• New tools
• Material calculator.
• Screen capture with download functionality.
• Cursor and ruler added in the modeler.
• Symmetry Tool.
• Extrude Patch.
• Reconstruct Hull.
• Join Wires.
• Annotate Tool.
• Selected improvements
• Improved support for multiport simulations in the task manager and simulation setup.
• Added linkable properties.
• Improved move tool.
• Auto-detected accurate transparency.
• Fixed wireframe rendering in the surface viewer.

15 February 2023 (V7.2)

• The first public release of the powerful web-based simulation platform that allows you to model and analyze real-world phenomena and design complex technical devices in a validated environment.
  Sim4Life Lite is a student edition, a specially tailored solution for students to gain insight into the world of computational modeling and simulation.
• Novel cloud-native simulation platform, accessible fully online.
• Same performance as desktop version.
• Based on o²S²PARC technology.
• User-friendly GUI.
• 3D modeling environment and CAD translators.
• Postprocessing and visualization of the simulation results.
• No restrictions on the number of modeling objects.
• Solvers & Tissue Models.
• P-EM-FDTD: Electromagnetics Full Wave Solvers.
• P-EM-LF: full EM finite element method (FEM) low-frequency solver suite.
• P-Thermal: Thermodynamic Solver based on Pennes Bioheat equations.
• P-Acoustics: Acoustics Solver.
• T-Neuro: Neuronal Tissue Models, allowing neurostimulation investigations.
• Computational anatomical models Yoon-sun (the first Korean human model of the IT'IS Virtual Population) and Duke.
• Material database.
• Python and Jupyter Notebook scripting.