Physics-based simulation of biological structures

Physics-based simulation provides a powerful framework for understanding biological form and function. Simulations may be used by biologists to study macromolecular assemblies and by clinicians to examine disease mechanisms. Physics-based simulations help biomedical researchers understand the physical constraints on biological systems as they engineer novel drugs, drug delivery systems, synthetic tissues, medical devices, and surgical interventions. We have established an NIH national center for physics-based simulation of biological structures (Simbios) to help integrate the field of physics-based simulation in biomedicine and accelerate future research. This center is engaged in the development and dissemination of a simulation tool kit that enables biomedical scientists to develop and share models and simulations of biological structures across a range of physical scales