Articles tagged with Virtual Reality
A new study suggests that using virtual reality (VR) to explain medical procedures can help patients better understand their treatment and reduce anxiety. The research tested VR as part of the consent process for a procedure to treat kidney stones, with patients reporting improved understanding and reduced anxiety after the experience.
A new study found that augmented reality job coaching significantly improves job performance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The AR-based application delivered real-time guidance, enabling participants to complete complex tasks with minimal external support. This innovative approach has the potential t...
A new VR app is being developed to tackle violence against women and girls, using virtual reality to raise awareness and educate people about harassment. The app places users in realistic scenarios commonly experienced by women, aiming to educate people about attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls.
A study from the University of Oregon found that virtual reality games can increase players' sense of altruism and influence levels of empathy. Participants in the game 'Empathy in Action' showed higher ratings of cognitive empathy but a decline in affective empathy, suggesting that players may feel motivated to help without directly e...
Researchers at George Mason University are developing an AI-enabled virtual reality training program for Crisis Response Teams to manage substance use crises. The program aims to enhance team members' expertise during a crisis response and post-crisis event, aligning with the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority's mission to address the...
A new study found that families prioritize VR features increasing physical activity over educational content, highlighting the need for research-based information on VR's impact on children. Families also emphasize the importance of safety controls to detect bullying or harassment on VR platforms.
A new study conducted by researchers at Penn State found that the presence of a higher variety of foods in a buffet increases both the weight and calories of food selected. Participants who visited buffets with more food options chose higher-calorie dense foods, leading to increased calorie consumption.
A virtual reality study found that a moderate movement speed of an autonomous prosthetic arm produces the most positive impressions on body ownership, agency, and usability. Faster or slower speeds reduce these feelings, with discomfort highest in the fastest condition.
Researchers at the University of Rochester found that the brain analyzes global patterns of image motion caused by eye movements to understand how objects move and where they are located in 3D space. This discovery challenges conventional ideas that image motion produced by eye movements is visual noise to be subtracted off.
A recent study using virtual reality found that men who embodied a female avatar subjected to catcalling experienced strong feelings of anger and disgust, closely linked to moral disapproval. This type of reaction reflects the ability to put oneself in the victim's shoes and indicates moral disapproval of the behavior.
A new international study found that people with central vision loss can judge the motion of vehicles almost as accurately as those with normal vision. When both visual and auditory information were available, the two groups showed comparable accuracy in estimating the arrival time of approaching vehicles. The research, published in PL...
The European Science Communication Institute launched its 2nd MASTER Open Call in April 2025. The selected projects will focus on validating and applying XR-based solutions to enhance learning experiences.
UNCG will establish an extended reality center with HTC VIVE and Virtualware funding, driving innovative research and workforce development in the region. The center will offer a collaborative, group-based learning environment for students and industry partners to explore new immersive technologies.
Researchers investigate how people with disabilities feel when their avatars depict them the way they see themselves. Most participants reported positive feedback when their avatar reflected their disability, and many felt comfortable expressing their identity in virtual reality.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed PropType, a unique interface that transforms everyday objects into typing surfaces within an AR environment. This technology leverages tactile feedback to reduce reliance on visual cues and provides an alternative to traditional keyboards.
Researchers observed significant increase in tear film lipid layer thickness and corneal temperature during VR sessions, suggesting stabilization of the tear film. The study provides early insights for VR headset design and usage considerations related to eye comfort and health.
A new metasurface design improves the brightness and image quality of augmented reality (AR) glasses by reducing light loss and preserving shape. The technology has potential applications beyond AR, such as automotive and aerospace head-up displays.
Cambridge scientist Dr Chris Macdonald creates the most effective treatment for public speaking fear using VR overexposure therapy. The platform has demonstrated remarkable results in reducing anxiety and improving performance.
A team of Korean researchers has successfully integrated a single memristor into micro-LED pixels, replacing the traditional driving transistor and storage capacitor. This innovation enables more efficient and easier-to-build displays with improved brightness and color accuracy.
Researchers discovered that people master new physical skills like sports or driving by combining lessons from error feedback and rewards, even with cues removed. The brain uses both feedback types in a mixed learning pattern, not separate processes as previously thought.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals how virtual reality can close the distance between people and climate change-driven damages in faraway places. Participants who experienced VR experiences developed stronger feelings of attachment and concern for the places they visited, leading to increased motivation for constructiv...
A new national study highlights the potential of extended reality (XR) in healthcare training, offering experiences that might otherwise be missed. However, poorly designed programs can overwhelm students, while trained faculty, technical support, and sustainable funding are essential for successful implementation.
Researchers at Wayne State University are exploring the feasibility and acceptability of virtual reality-based Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as a tool to reduce stress in young adults with type 1 diabetes. The study aims to assess the effects of MBSR-VR on glycemic control, mindfulness, and psychological distress.
Researchers developed HandProxy, a software that allows users to interact with virtual spaces by commanding a disembodied hand. The AI-powered hand can perform complex tasks without being explicitly told every step, making it more flexible than current VR voice-command features.
A new analysis found that virtual reality effectively reduced anxiety during coronary angiography and had more stable vital signs than standard care. VR was superior to standard care in reducing anxiety and associated with significantly lower changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
Researchers found that playing virtual reality sports games can promote psychological well-being by helping players feel connected to others and engage in real-time communication. The positive effects of feeling socially present were even stronger for those experiencing loneliness.
A flexible skin-mounted haptic interface can replicate diverse motions using a single actuator, providing rich tactile feedback and versatility. The technology aims to assist humans in various applications, including wearable human-machine interfaces and medical operations.
Computer scientists at Princeton University are working on a system that pairs virtual reality with a physical robot, allowing users to seamlessly interact with the physical world. The technology enables tasks like selecting an object across the room or erasing physical objects from view, creating a more immersive experience.
Two brain regions have been identified as a neural compass, allowing people to maintain their sense of direction while navigating naturalistic virtual reality cities. These regions are consistent across different city features and task phases, suggesting they track direction relative to the north-south axis.
A new study from UCLA Health suggests that virtual reality (VR) may offer a promising tool to ease psychological stress and support heart health. After a VR session, many patients experienced a significant impact on their psychological state, with reduced anxiety and increased vagal tone.
A study by the University of Exeter found that immersive VR nature scenes can reduce symptoms of long-term pain. Participants who felt more present during the experience experienced the strongest effects. The study suggests that nature scenes delivered using VR can help change how pain signals are transmitted in the brain and spinal cord.
A team of researchers from Waseda University investigated the effects of new communication media, including video-conferencing and embodied virtual reality, on self-disclosure. They found that embodied VR, especially with unrealistic avatars, resulted in higher self-disclosure of personal feelings compared to face-to-face conversations.
A recent study suggests that virtual reality therapy is effective in treating psychosis, working faster than current cognitive behavioral therapy. The treatment involves exposing patients to simulated social situations to reduce avoidance behavior and anxiety.
A Cochrane review found that virtual reality (VR) can help stroke survivors regain arm movement and increase therapy time. VR may also improve balance and reduce activity limitations, but effects on mobility and quality of life are uncertain.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham have developed a virtual reality training tool to teach clinicians core concepts in infection control, including cleaning and disinfecting portable medical equipment. The pilot study found that 88.6% of participants reported an overall positive experience with the VR module.
A new study found that augmented reality can significantly increase trust in autonomous vehicles by adding, modifying or removing driving-related information. The technology uses sensors to deliver real-time data, ensuring drivers stay focused on the road while accessing critical info.
Rice University students have developed a cutting-edge wearable haptic wristband that can deliver two distinct forms of tactile feedback. The device aims to make virtual reality more immersive and accessible, and is entirely self-contained with a modular design that makes it easy to repair and integrate into different environments.
A new study published in Neuron has identified a brain region, the fusiform gyrus, as key to distinguishing between real and imagined experiences. The region's strength of activity can predict whether someone judges an experience as real or imagined.
A new MSU study reveals that virtual reality can enhance social connection and student outcomes during classroom instruction, but only until virtual meeting fatigue sets in. The optimal VR duration varies between students, ranging from 20 to 280 minutes.
Virtual reality can be used sparingly and thoughtfully for intense experiences like travel and learning surgery, but its value fades with mundane activities. The medium is not suitable for anonymity or precision movements.
Researchers have developed an image-analysis tool called SeaSplat that cuts through the ocean's optical effects and generates images of underwater environments with accurate colors. The team paired SeaSplat with a computational model to convert images into three-dimensional underwater worlds, allowing for virtual exploration.
Researchers developed T2IRay, a VR input method with precise object pointing, and ChoreoCraft, a virtual reality tool supporting choreographers' creativity. These technologies received Honorable Mention awards at CHI 2025 for their contributions to human-computer interaction.
Project Chimera combines a VR computer game with educational problems to convey scientific content in a motivating way. The game enables players to develop a desire for learning through story-based exploration of physics, mechanical engineering, and other subjects.
A space-saving version of boccia, called Boccia XR, has been developed as a rehabilitation program for older adults. Participants showed improved moods, vitality, and energy after experiencing both Boccia XR and traditional boccia, with increased muscle activity in the rectus femoris during both types of boccia.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) have developed an achromatic metagrating that handles all colors in a single glass layer, eliminating the need for multiple layers. This breakthrough enables vivid full-color images using a 500-µm-thick single-layer waveguide.
The MASTER project invites educational institutions to develop innovative XR educational content and validate cutting-edge XR technologies in real settings. Selected applicants will receive financial support, access to advanced XR tools, and expert mentorship.
Researchers created MotionBlocks to decrease barriers in VR for people with mobility limitations, allowing users to customize game controls to fit their movements. The tool was tested with positive feedback from participants, who reported greater enjoyment and less fatigue.
Researchers developed a novel vote-based model for accurate hand-held object pose estimation, addressing issues with existing approaches. The new framework achieves significant improvements in accuracy and robustness, enabling robots to handle complex objects and advancing AR technologies.
Researchers used a virtual reality game to investigate how brief anxiety impacts spatial learning and threat recognition. Participants who learned to distinguish between safe and dangerous areas showed better spatial memory and lower anxiety.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing a VR/AR system to simulate stressful situations, allowing users to practice stress-relief strategies in a realistic environment. The system was tested on a group of participants, who found it helpful in gaining awareness and learning self-sufficiency skills.
Researchers from PolyU explore how virtual environments and collaborative learning influence film lighting skills acquisition in VR-based education. The study reveals that beach settings boost engagement but increase frustration, while team learning enhances collaboration.
Researchers studied active and passive touch tasks using virtual reality and EEG to better understand how people with autism process touch. The study found that individuals with autism showed little variation in brain response to active and passive touch, suggesting difficulty predicting consequences of actions.
A collaborative research team has developed a novel mixed reality (MR) technology that uses real-world doors as natural transition points. The system allows users to select a door within their MR interface and seamlessly transition into a virtual space, creating an unprecedented sense of immersion.
A new system for early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been developed using virtual reality and artificial intelligence. The system, which uses biomarkers related to behavior, motor activity, and gaze direction, achieves an accuracy of over 85%, surpassing traditional methods.
A study found that people process movements differently based on avatar appearance, with a neural system dedicated to perceiving others' movements playing a key role. The findings may help scientists improve human-AI interactions.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new 3D imaging technique, deflectometry, paired with advanced computation to improve eye-tracking accuracy. The method can capture gaze direction information from more than 40,000 surface points, theoretically millions, increasing accuracy by a factor of over 3,000 compared to c...
Cognitive neuroscientists are using VR to develop innovative ways to assess cognitive decline, particularly in identifying age-related differences in spatial memory navigation. The study found significant impacts on memory performance due to the build-up of Alzheimer's proteins in the brain.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new wearable device that can apply precise movements to mimic the complexity of human touch. The device creates a sophisticated variety of haptic sensations, including vibrations, stretching, pressure, and twisting, allowing for more nuanced and realistic tactile feedback.
Researchers developed a lighter, smarter magnetoreceptive e-skin that tracks signal paths for applications like virtual reality and robotic systems. The new technology emulates the functioning of real skin and saves energy by using a single global sensor surface and central processing unit.
A study by University of Cologne found that virtual reality videos increased feelings of being intensely involved in the narrative, leading to a stronger positive emotional affect and greater willingness to donate. This immersive experience was found to have a significant impact on personal attitudes and behavioral intentions.