Best mobile apps for neuroscientists
With smart mobile devices being ubiquitous all around the world, apps have been invented for almost everything. Below, we’ve collected some of the best available for neuroscientists. These free or low-cost tools can be used to help simplify the daily life of an investigator or enable them to continue working while on the move.
Lab tools
1. Resolution (Free)
Resolution enables you to see how well-matched your objective lenses are to your image acquisition system. You can input the properties of objectives to calculate their lateral resolution, axial resolution and fluorescence brightness, as well as ensure input camera properties to ensure your sampling is optimal.
2. Neuronify (Free)
Neuronify allows you to investigate how neurons and neural networks behave. Use it to explore connections between neurons and how changes to a single connection can affect entire networks and lead to behavioural changes.
3. Optogenetics Pro (Free)
This app helps researchers to calculate “the required optical power for a given in vivo experiment involving optogenetics or any other experimental approach that includes light delivery to deep brain areas via optical fibre.” Users can input the brain region, properties of the specific opsin and the optical fibre. The app then plots the maximal penetration depth (μm) of excitation against the optical power (mW) from the end of the fibre. This app is available on the Apple App Store for iPhone or iPad.
4. Cell Imaging (Free)
This free mobile app from Invitrogen Life Technologies helps investigators to select the best fluorescent dyes, reagents and protocols for cell biology related fluorescence microscopy applications.
5. Qiagen (Free)
The Qiagen app has a number of tools to help with daily life in the lab. The app has numerous functions including multiple timers, some useful conversion calculators and protocols for common buffers and solutions.
6. Abcam (Free)
The Abcam app is similar to the one from Qiagen and contains a variety of bench tools and key protocols, including a fluorochrome guide.
7. Fluorescence SpectraViewer (Free)
Another app from Invitrogen Life Technologies, this is an extension of their online SpectraViewer. It enables researchers to plot and compare the spectra of different fluorophores that can then be emailed to others in the lab in a clear, easily printable format.
8. LabTimer (Free)
LabTimer is a count-up and count-down multi-timer, with a layout that emulates standard lab timers. Four timers can be used simultaneously, all with large displays and customisable labels.
Referencing
9. EndNote (Free)
The EndNote app for iPad allows users to view, edit, organise and share research. They can also create bibliographies and sync their libraries across devices. This gives them access to their references wherever they are with “the world’s most popular research management tool”.
Organisational Tools
10. Evernote (Free)
Evernote is the perfect organisational tool; make notes, to-do lists and organise your documents. Your work will sync between your phone, tablet and computer automatically, so can be accessed from anywhere. Share your work and ideas with your lab members and collaborate on projects.
Educational Tools
11. 3D Brain (Free)
This handy app from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory allows users to view brain structures from multiple angles, learn the functions of different brain regions and how they are involved in mental illness.
12. Brain Tutor 3D (Free)
Explore the structure and function of the human brain using high-resolution, rotatable 3D models in real-time. Using this app, you can slice the brain along sagittal, axial and coronal axes as well as rotate and zoom in on specific regions of the brain. Brain Tutor 3D uses rendered head and brain models that were created from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
13. NCSU MicroExplorer 3D (Free)
Created by NC State University, with Micro Explorer 3D you can explore a 3D model of a compound microscope, to learn about the different parts of the microscope and how they are used.
14. Cell Library (Free)
Cell Library is a freely accessible public source of reviewed and annotated cell images, videos and animations. Using the search function you can view images of cells from a variety of organisms, taken using various microscopy techniques. The images allow you to see both normal and abnormal cell structures.
Reading
15. BioTechniques (Free)
BioTechniques is the international journal of life science methods and provides peer-reviewed papers on lab techniques and protocols from around the world. Get reviews, reports, materials, protocols and features on your mobile device.
16. Microscopy & Analysis (Free)
This app allows users to stay up-to-date with all areas of microscopy via research articles, news, features and more.
17. BrainSights (Free)
BrainSights brings you the latest brain and neuroscience news, updated throughout the day. Users can tag interesting articles for later reading, search for the topics they find most fascinating and listen to podcasts. News stories can also be shared through Twitter, WhatsApp and email.
18. The Journal of Neuroscience (Free)
Access the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience through this app, with published papers covering a range of topics related to the nervous system.
Banner picture: Flickr/Jason Howie
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