Journey to the centre of the cell: Virtual reality immersion into scientific data
| Autor: | Sheryl Maher, James Rae, Robyn Webb, Richard I. Webb, Thomas P. Davis, Nicholas Ariotti, Charles Ferguson, Benjamin J Bailey, John McGhee, Andrew Lilja, Robert G. Parton, Angus P. R. Johnston |
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| Rok vydání: | 2017 |
| Předmět: |
0301 basic medicine
Cells Biology Virtual reality Biochemistry Imaging data 03 medical and health sciences User-Computer Interface Software Imaging Three-Dimensional Structural Biology Human–computer interaction Task Performance and Analysis Genetics Immersion (virtual reality) Humans Public engagement Molecular Biology Cellular architecture business.industry 05 social sciences Virtual Reality 050301 education Cell Biology Visualization Cell biology Comprehension 030104 developmental biology business 0503 education |
| Zdroj: | Traffic (Copenhagen, Denmark). 19(2) |
| ISSN: | 1600-0854 |
| Popis: | Visualization of scientific data is crucial not only for scientific discovery but also to communicate science and medicine to both experts and a general audience. Until recently, we have been limited to visualizing the three-dimensional (3D) world of biology in 2 dimensions. Renderings of 3D cells are still traditionally displayed using two-dimensional (2D) media, such as on a computer screen or paper. However, the advent of consumer grade virtual reality (VR) headsets such as Oculus Rift and HTC Vive means it is now possible to visualize and interact with scientific data in a 3D virtual world. In addition, new microscopic methods provide an unprecedented opportunity to obtain new 3D data sets. In this perspective article, we highlight how we have used cutting edge imaging techniques to build a 3D virtual model of a cell from serial block-face scanning electron microscope (SBEM) imaging data. This model allows scientists, students and members of the public to explore and interact with a "real" cell. Early testing of this immersive environment indicates a significant improvement in students' understanding of cellular processes and points to a new future of learning and public engagement. In addition, we speculate that VR can become a new tool for researchers studying cellular architecture and processes by populating VR models with molecular data. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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