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Does online dating make relationships more successful?

A new study found that meeting partners online is positively linked to relationship success among those who have social media presence on their relationships. However, the link was absent among individuals without this social media presence, particularly in marital relationships.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeObservational study·DateAug 6, 2024

Food aroma study may help explain why meals taste bad in space

Researchers discovered that a particular sweet chemical in vanilla and almond aromas could explain the change in perceptions, along with individual sensitivity. The study also found that spatial perception played a significant role in how people smell aromas in isolated settings.

SourceRMIT University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Breakthrough in tremor treatment: Robotic therapy developed by GIST researchers improves daily activities

Researchers at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed an innovative robotic rehabilitation system called SPINDLE to enhance the strength and dexterity of individuals with tremors. The study revealed significant benefits, including improved motor control, coordination, and neuroplasticity.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

Using muscular avatars in VR to reduce pain perception

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that using VR avatars with muscular bodies reduces pain perception by ~16%. The study also showed that matching the avatar's gender with the user's can further lower pain scores.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 17, 2024

Virtual reality as a reliable shooting performance-tracking tool

A new study from Ohio State University found that virtual reality technology can accurately record shooting performance and track individuals' progress over time. The research team used the VirTra V-100 simulator to measure 21 relevant variables, including accuracy, decision-making, and reaction time.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateJun 11, 2024

Unrivalled research infrastructure: Graz University of Technology opens human-centered computing labs

The new Human-Centered Computing Labs at TU Graz offer a unique research infrastructure for interdisciplinary collaboration. The labs are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality and motion capturing capabilities, to facilitate research on human-computer interaction, visual computing, and autonomous driving.

SourceGraz University of Technology·TypeNews article·DateMay 15, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Virtual reality becomes more engaging when designers use cinematic tools

A recent study found that cinematographic techniques can significantly increase user engagement with virtual environments and improve their aesthetic appeal. The researchers developed a new teleportation method for exploring virtual environments using principles of composition and continuity, commonly used in filmmaking.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Beyond therapy: Virtual reality shows promise in fighting depression

A new study published in JMIR Mental Health sheds light on the promising role of virtual reality (VR) in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). VR-Enhanced Behavioral Activation (XR-BA) was found to be effective in easing symptoms of depression, comparable to traditional behavioral activation.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Mental Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2024
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Unveiling a polarized world – in a single shot

Scientists at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a compact, single-shot polarization imaging system that can provide a complete picture of polarization. The system uses two thin metasurfaces to capture the most complete polarization response of an object in real-time.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 2, 2024

Holographic displays offer a glimpse into an immersive future

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a device that improves image quality in holographic displays, enabling a wider field of view and more stable images. The new technology has the potential to transform various industries, from healthcare to home repairs.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Virtual reality sessions lessen cancer pain in clinical trial

A 10-minute virtual reality session significantly lessened pain in hospitalized patients with cancer, with sustained benefits even a day later. The study found that VR sessions had a greater impact than guided imagery, improving not only pain severity but also related issues like general distress.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 8, 2024

Researchers use smartphone screen to create 3D layered holographic images

A new approach uses a smartphone screen to create full-color 3D holographic images by leveraging computer-generated holography (CGH) and an optical component called a spatial light modulator. The method has the potential to enhance near-eye displays in virtual reality headsets, creating more realistic and interactive user experiences.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 2, 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

An innovative mixed light field technique for immersive projection mapping

A novel mixed light field technique was developed to achieve immersive augmented reality experiences in bright environments, preserving natural shadows and contrast. The approach utilizes ray-controlled lighting and a binary search algorithm to remove ambient lighting from PM targets.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Opening new doors in the VR world, literally

Researchers developed RedirectedDoors+ to overcome VR door-opening challenges, providing users with realistic haptic feedback and guiding them around real walls. The system has been successfully tested in various environments, reducing physical space size by up to 50%.

SourceTohoku University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateMar 13, 2024

Virtual reality exposure plus electric brain stimulation offers a promising treatment for PTSD

A new study combines virtual reality exposure with transcranial direct current stimulation to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans. The innovative approach shows significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity and accelerates psychological adjustment, offering hope for an effective treatment.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

World’s first real-time wearable human emotion recognition technology developed!

A groundbreaking technology recognizes human emotions in real time, combining verbal and non-verbal expression data for accurate emotional information extraction. The system features a personalized skin-integrated facial interface that enables self-powered, flexible, and transparent emotion recognition.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2024

Researchers take new ‘mixed reality’ headsets for a spin

A diverse team of researchers spent at least 140 minutes wearing Meta Quest 3 passthrough video headsets, engaging in daily activities like conversations, walking, and gaming. They found that users enjoyed the experience but also encountered significant imperfections, including lost peripheral vision, distortion, and lag, which impacte...

SourceStanford University·JournalTechnology Mind and Behavior·DateFeb 1, 2024

Virtual reality treatment for palliative care shown to help patients ‘flourish’ during relaxation therapy

Researchers have developed a novel virtual reality-based relaxation therapy that helps cancer patients in palliative care manage symptoms and stress better. The therapy, known as FLOW-VRT-Relaxation, combines standard-of-care relaxation techniques with immersive VR experiences to promote psychological states of flourishing.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Wireless tracking system could help improve the XR experience

A new wireless tracking system, developed by UC San Diego engineers, enables accurate localization of objects in dynamic environments. The system overcomes camera-based limitations and provides centimeter-level accuracy, opening up new possibilities for enhanced XR experiences.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateDec 21, 2023

A survey of real-time rendering on Web3D application

This survey examines the relationship between real-time rendering and Web3D applications, focusing on tools, frameworks, and technologies used. Key findings highlight the importance of real-time rendering in enhancing user experience and future development of Web3D applications.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateDec 13, 2023

Immersive VR goggles for mice unlock new potential for brain science

Researchers at Northwestern University developed virtual reality goggles for mice, allowing them to study responses to overhead threats for the first time. The new system enabled more accurate and precise neural circuitry analysis by simulating natural environments, reducing training times compared to traditional VR systems.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Researchers caution diabetes patients’ use of fitness video games

A new study by Staffordshire University warns people with type-1 diabetes to use fitness video games with caution, as they may change perceptions of fatigue levels. The researchers recommend updating measurement tools for virtual game platforms to ensure safe and accurate exercise tracking.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalJournal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2023

New study: Immersive engagement in mixed reality can be measured with reaction time

Researchers at University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a system to measure presence in mixed reality using reaction time. The findings suggest that slow reaction times indicate low presence and high reaction times indicate high presence with 80% predictive accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2023

When we feel things that are not there

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum used virtual reality to study the phantom touch illusion, where subjects experience tingling sensations without physical contact. The study found that this phenomenon is described by most subjects as a tingling or prickling sensation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 14, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Machine learning gives users ‘superhuman’ ability to open and control tools in virtual reality

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a virtual reality application that allows users to build figures and shapes without interacting with menus. The 'HotGestures' system uses machine learning to recognize hand gestures, providing fast and effective shortcuts for tool selection and usage.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateNov 7, 2023

Rats have an imagination, new research finds

Researchers at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus have discovered that rats can think about places and objects not in front of them, generating specific neural activity patterns in the hippocampus. This ability is fundamental to remembering past events and imagining future scenarios, indicating that animals possess a form of imagination.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2023

Simulating cold sensation without actual cooling

Researchers developed a non-contact technology that simulates a cold sensation by leveraging human sensitivity to rapid temperature changes. The system uses air flow and light to rapidly switch between cold and warm stimuli, inducing a cold sensation while maintaining skin temperature fluctuations near zero.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalIEEE Transactions on Haptics·DateOct 23, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New UCF project is harnessing virtual reality to teach quantum computing

The project, funded by a $927,203 grant, uses virtual reality and machine learning to identify misconceptions in quantum information science. UCF will develop desktop and smartphone versions of QubitVR for broader impacts, aiming to empower students and professionals to harness the power of quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateOct 23, 2023

Immersive virtual reality seems to ease cancer patients’ pain and distress

A pooled data analysis of virtual reality studies suggests it helps patients with cancer, dementia, and other long-term conditions cope better with medical treatment and emotional impact. However, further research is needed to understand how the technology works and its long-term effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Supportive & Palliative Care·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 16, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Research reveals how smell can influence our perception of color

Researchers found that participants chose different grey colours when exposed to various scents, such as coffee and caramel. The study suggests that our sense of smell can influence how we perceive colour, with the presence of certain odours leading to anticipated correspondences in colour perception.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 12, 2023

Let it flow: recreating water flow for virtual reality

A Tohoku University research team developed a technique to recreate water flow in real-time using only a small amount of data from real water. This technology enables the creation of immersive VR games with lifelike water motion, potentially enhancing online communication and remote interactions.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateSep 20, 2023

Expanding the VR immersion comfort zone

Researchers have developed high-resolution near-eye displays with integrated light field technology, overcoming limitations of earlier displays. The new designs feature improved resolution, pixel density, and vision correction capabilities, resulting in enhanced visual comfort and immersive VR experiences.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateSep 19, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Using augmented reality to make Parkinson's disease physical therapy more accessible

A recent Cleveland Clinic trial found that augmented reality therapy, such as the Dual-task augmented Reality Treatment (DART), can improve posture and stability in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The digital platform uses a headset to guide exercises and track progress, allowing for more widespread use of physical therapy.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair·DateSep 18, 2023

A new LED design for next-level realism in immersive displays

Researchers from Meijo University and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have developed high-performance micro-LEDs capable of meeting the brightness and definition demands of modern immersive reality technologies. The LEDs use gallium indium nitride semiconductors and can produce full-color imaging at high resolution.

SourceMeijo University·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Smart fabrics’ informed touch can tell you where to go

Researchers at Rice University developed wearable textile-based devices that utilize fluidic control to provide sophisticated haptic cues. The system enables users to navigate through real-world environments using tactile feedback, potentially enhancing visual and auditory inputs for those with impairments.

SourceRice University·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

Modified virtual reality tech can measure brain activity

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin created a noninvasive EEG sensor that can measure brain activity during immersive VR interactions. The device has potential applications in helping people with anxiety, measuring mental stress, and giving humans insight into robot behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalSoft Science·DateAug 4, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Training on LSA lifeboat operation using Mixed Reality

The SafePASS MR Training Tool uses Mixed Reality to simulate LSA lifeboat operations, providing crew members with hands-on practice and real-time feedback. The application has been successfully tested and validated in lab and real-world environments, demonstrating improved training outcomes and enhanced awareness of equipment usage.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateAug 1, 2023

Improving urban planning with virtual reality

Researchers use virtual reality to simulate urban scenarios, allowing them to measure the implicit effects of urban planning measures on human stress levels. The method has shown that higher traffic volumes can upset test subjects, paving the way for more climate-friendly and inclusive urban planning.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Helping virtual reality reflect social realities

A nationwide VR research project is working to create diverse groups of participants to reflect real-world social dynamics. The Virtual Experience Research Accelerator (VERA) aims to provide researchers with access to large, reliable, and diverse groups for various VR research projects.

SourceLehigh University·DateMay 25, 2023