Projects per year
Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 105-110 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Traffic |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2018 |
Keywords
- educational resources
- electron microscopy
- endocytosis
- virtual reality
Projects
- 2 Finished
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ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology
Davis, T., Boyd, B., Bunnett, N., Porter, C., Caruso, F., Kent, S., Thordarson, P., Kearnes, M., Gooding, J., Kavallaris, M., Thurecht, K., Whittaker, A., Parton, R., Corrie, S. R., Johnston, A., McGhee, J., Greguric, I. D., Stevens, M. M., Lewis, J., Lee, D. S., Alexander, C., Dawson, K., Hawker, C., Haddleton, D., Thierry, B., Prestidge, C. A., Meyer, A., Jones-Jayasinghe, N., Voelcker, N. H., Nann, T. & McLean, K.
Australian Research Council (ARC), Monash University, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland , University of South Australia, Monash University – Internal Faculty Contribution, University of Wisconsin Madison, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, University of California System, University College Dublin, Imperial College London, University of Warwick, SungKyunKwan University, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) , University of Nottingham
30/06/14 → 29/06/21
Project: Research
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Understanding the cellular processing of targeted nanoparticles for improved therapeutic outcomes
Johnston, A. & Mintern, J.
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (Australia)
1/01/14 → 31/12/16
Project: Research