SUMMARY: A host of formal, textual languages for modeling cellular processes have recently emerged, but their simulation tools often require an installation process which can pose a barrier for use. Bio Simulators is a framework for easy online deployment of simulators, providing a uniform web-based user interface to a diverse pool of tools. The framework is demonstrated through two plugins based on the KaSim Kappa simulator, one running directly in the browser and another running in the cloud. AVAILABILITY: Web tool: bsims.azurewebsites.net. KaSim client side simulator: github.com/NicolasOury/KaSimJS. KaSim cloud simulator: github.com/mdpedersen/KaSimCloud. CONTACT: [email protected] or [email protected] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Focused ultrasound is very well suited for inducing noninvasive local hyperthermia. Since magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be employed to obtain real-time temperature maps noninvasively the combination of these two technologies offers great advantages specifically aimed toward oncological studies. Real-time identification of the target region and accurate control of the temperature evolution during the treatment has now become possible. Thermal ablation of pathological tissue, local drug delivery using thermosensitive micro-carriers and controlled transgene expression using thermosensitive promoters have recently been demonstrated with this unique technology. Based on these experiments combined focused ultrasound and MRI thermometry holds promise for future oncological diagnostics and treatment. In this paper, we review some of the recent methodological developments as well as experimental and first clinical studies using this approach.