Course on Open-Source Tools for Computational Biomechanics Thursday, September 15, 2016 MIT Media Lab, Cambridge, MA This course introduces participants to three open-source tools: GIBBON for image segmentation; FEBio for finite element analysis; and OpenSim for musculoskeletal modeling and simulation. The OpenSim portion will include a discussion of using OpenSim for predictive simulation and muscle activity estimation, and a survey of research studies integrating OpenSim with finite element modeling. Participants will also have the opportunity to work hands on with each software package. Learn more and register<http://ieeeboston.org/open-source-tools-computational-biomechanics/>. New Full Body Model Available Apoorva Rajagopal and colleagues at Stanford University have developed and validated a new full body model. The model has a muscle force distribution reflective of those of a young, healthy population, includes a new knee model to accurately represent internal forces, and has increased performance due to simplified muscle-wrapping surfaces. The associated publication<http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=7505900> will appear in a special issue of IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering on reproducible research. The model is freely available for download at https://simtk.org/projects/full_body. Reflex Controller Models Contracture and Spasticity in Children with Cerebral Palsy Past Visiting Scholar Marjolein van der Krogt (VU University Medical Center) and colleagues have recently published the article "Neuro-musculoskeletal Simulation of Instrumented Contracture and Spasticity Assessment in Children with Cerebral Palsy"<https://jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-016-0170-5> in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation. The study utilizes a reflex controller model implemented in OpenSim to study the role of altered passive muscle stiffness in contracture and of velocity-dependent stretch reflex in spasticity. The controller is available for download at https://simtk.org/projects/spasticitymodel. Workshop at International Shoulder Group Annual Meeting Past Visiting Scholars Dimitra Blana and Ricardo Matias ran a successful workshop at the International Shoulder Group's Annual Meeting<https://www.zhaw.ch/de/engineering/institute-zentren/imes/conference-of-the-international-shoulder-group/> in July. Approximately 30 individuals participated, gaining hands-on experience with scaling and running inverse kinematics using the new shoulder model<https://simtk.org/projects/scapulothoracic> from Seth and Matias. You can download the slides, as well as the files and instructions for the hands-on examples, by visiting the workshop webpage<http://simtk-confluence.stanford.edu:8080/display/OpenSim/International+Shoulder+Group+Workshop+2016>. Postdoctoral Openings at University of Washington's Ability & Innovation Lab OpenSim Fellow Kat Steele at the University of Washington has two postdoctoral openings for individuals with a background in engineering, computer science, or a closely related field. One project is to study neuromuscular control in cerebral palsy using muscle synergy analysis and OpenSim simulations. The second project is the creation of mobile technology to track and train muscle activity after stroke. Learn more<http://depts.washington.edu/uwsteele/get-involved/> --- Joy P. Ku, PhD Director, Simbios<http://simbios.stanford.edu/> Director of Communications & Training, NCSRR<http://opensim.stanford.edu/> Director of Communications & Engagement, Mobilize Center<http://mobilize.stanford.edu/> Stanford University (w) 650.736.8434, (f) 650.723.7461 Email: joyku@stanford.edu