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 |
|---|---|
| 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
Cite this
}
Journey to the centre of the cell : Virtual reality immersion into scientific data. / Johnston, Angus P.R.; Rae, James; Ariotti, Nicholas; Bailey, Benjamin; Lilja, Andrew; Webb, Robyn; Ferguson, Charles; Maher, Sheryl; Davis, Thomas P.; Webb, Richard I.; McGhee, John; Parton, Robert G.
In: Traffic, Vol. 19, No. 2, 01.02.2018, p. 105-110.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - Journey to the centre of the cell
T2 - Virtual reality immersion into scientific data
AU - Johnston, Angus P.R.
AU - Rae, James
AU - Ariotti, Nicholas
AU - Bailey, Benjamin
AU - Lilja, Andrew
AU - Webb, Robyn
AU - Ferguson, Charles
AU - Maher, Sheryl
AU - Davis, Thomas P.
AU - Webb, Richard I.
AU - McGhee, John
AU - Parton, Robert G.
PY - 2018/2/1
Y1 - 2018/2/1
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - educational resources
KW - electron microscopy
KW - endocytosis
KW - virtual reality
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85034609864&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/tra.12538
DO - 10.1111/tra.12538
M3 - Article
VL - 19
SP - 105
EP - 110
JO - Traffic
JF - Traffic
SN - 1398-9219
IS - 2
ER -