The metaverse has the potential to make scientists more effective by removing barriers, improving teaching and learning, and enabling new experimental environments. Researchers must also plan well and avoid potential pitfalls, such as ownership and privacy issues.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 25, 2023
A new study found that the subjective visual vertical – a measure of how individuals perceive vertical lines – shifted considerably after participants played a high-intensity VR game, affecting the severity of cybersickness. This shift was linked to individual differences in sensory processing and gaming experience.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalVirtual Reality·DateMay 1, 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.
The University of Central Florida has developed the Virtual Experience Research Accelerator (VERA), a large-scale system for extended reality human subjects research. This project aims to facilitate human subjects research and improve extended reality technologies, making them more inclusive for underrepresented groups.
A recent study found that immersive virtual reality training is as effective as inpatient training for students learning to care for acute care pediatric patients. The VR group performed significantly better overall, with notable improvements in infection control and oxygen therapy.
SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalClinical Simulation in Nursing·DateApr 13, 2023
A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that virtual fitting rooms can have a negative impact on consumers with a high body mass index (BMI), leading to decreased self-esteem and lower product evaluations. However, the technology appears to enhance sales for shoppers with a low BMI, highlighting the need for marketing...
SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A new VR locomotion system, Seamless-walk, offers a natural and comfortable experience without equipment or body pose recording. It uses high-resolution foot pressure imprints and machine learning to estimate the user's direction and movement speed.
SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalVirtual Reality·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2023
A team of Lithuanian scientists created a VR-based rehabilitation system to help patients recover from stroke. The system uses sensors to track the patient's movements and provides real-time feedback to improve motor function, balance, and coordination.
SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalElectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023
Researchers have developed a new way to create dynamic ultrahigh-density 3D holographic projections, overcoming two long-existing bottlenecks in current digital holographic techniques. The new method enables realistic representations of the world around us for use in virtual reality and other applications.
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.
Researchers used virtual reality to study how memories are selected for long-term storage, revealing the anterior thalamus as a crucial stopover site. Stimulating this region enhanced memory consolidation, while inhibiting it hindered long-term retention.
Researchers developed a VR imaging system to measure neural activity in mouse brains during behavior, revealing abnormalities in cortical functional network dynamics associated with autism. The system successfully distinguished between autism model mice and wild-type mice based on their brain network patterns.
SourceKobe University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023
Researchers have found that embryos in pregnancies ending in miscarriage take four days longer to develop in the womb than those in live births. This delay is associated with a higher likelihood of miscarriage and may be used to estimate pregnancy outcomes.
SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 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.
Researchers have developed a smart contact lens capable of implementing AR-based navigation using a novel electrochromic display technology. The device uses Prussian blue to display directions to the user in real-time, overcame limitations of existing AR devices.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMar 9, 2023
A study by University of Cologne researchers found that virtual reality gamers completed tasks faster with higher levels of general intelligence and processing capacity. The results suggest VR games can be used as a tool for predicting job performance, bridging the gap between research and practice.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalVirtual Reality·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023
A randomized controlled trial found that virtual reality lessons significantly improved medical students' knowledge of fetal development, with retention at one-week follow-up. Students showed high satisfaction with the VR tool compared to traditional tutorials.
SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateMar 8, 2023
Chung-Ang University researchers develop a novel flexible supercapacitor platform with vertically integrated gold electrodes in a single sheet of paper. The design shows low electrical resistance, high foldability, and good mechanical strength, making it suitable for wearable devices.
SourceChung Ang University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new study reveals that holographic haptic displays create diffuse and faint tactile sensations due to widespread vibration patterns in the skin. The researchers discovered a phenomenon known as constructive interference that amplifies shock waves, leading to reduced spatial precision and clarity.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 1, 2023
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong developed a wireless, soft e-skin for interactive touch communication in the virtual world. The e-skin can detect and deliver the sense of touch, enabling one-to-multiuser interaction and overcoming the limitations of space and distance.
SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023
A new 'multisensory pseudo-haptic' technology delivers believable tactile experiences in virtual environments by combining visual feedback from a VR headset with tactile sensations from a mechanical wristbracelet. This innovation keeps hands free, enabling long-term wear and more realistic user experiences.
SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2023
The metaverse can be used to investigate the effectiveness of large-scale interventions before implementation, saving time and money. It also provides a platform for people with limited access to natural environments to experience green spaces, reducing negative mental health effects.
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateFeb 21, 2023
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.
Researchers found that an immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention significantly improved pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing a blood draw. The IVR group showed better outcomes compared to the control group.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 16, 2023
A new study suggests that virtual reality exercises can reduce pelvic pain in women with endometriosis, offering a potential digital health solution. The study found that VR and telehealth exercise sessions provided immediate relief from pain, similar to traditional supervised exercise sessions.
SourceFlinders University·TypeCase study·DateFeb 9, 2023
A new study published in Games for Health Journal found that a virtual reality boxing game called BOXVR reduced adolescent stress and improved cognitive function compared to a guided YouTube-guided boxing exercise. The VR group also reported greater enjoyment after each session.
SourceNew York University·JournalGames for Health Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023
The team developed a way to stack red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes to create vertical, multicolored pixels, enabling higher-resolution displays. This technique could enable fully immersive virtual reality experiences and improve digital screens' sharpness and resolution.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2023
This study proposes using gamification and virtual reality to create quality learning experiences for digital twin students and employees. The technology aims to enhance learner motivation, acquire knowledge, and foster a personalized and cooperative learning environment.
SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateJan 11, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The study developed a VR application for immersive multi-user firefighter-training scenarios, addressing disaster management tasks with minimal risk. The prototype integrated VR motion capture and synchronization of sensor data to create realistic training environments.
SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateJan 4, 2023
Scientists discovered a new multiregional hindbrain circuit that enables zebrafish to compute their location and correct course. The study used whole-brain imaging to reveal the circuits involved in this process, which may apply to other vertebrates.
SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateDec 22, 2022
A virtual reality game called EPELI has been developed to assess ADHD symptoms in children by simulating everyday situations. The game uses eye tracking and machine learning to detect differences in eye movements, which can indicate attention deficits.
SourceAalto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 20, 2022
Researchers used VR to teach language to participants, finding that those who learned in unique environments recalled more words (92%) compared to those who learned in the same environment (76%). Immersion in the VR world also played a key role in learning retention.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·Journalnpj Science of Learning·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022
Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed an advanced wireless haptic interface system called WeTac. The system provides a vivid touch experience with personalized tactile sensation data and overcomes the shortcomings of existing bulky gloves.
SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022
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.
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba discovered a phenomenon where moving a virtual assistant's voice closer to users increases customer rapport, contrasting with traditional ventriloquism effects. This 'mouth-in-the-door' effect can be used to enhance user experience in virtual commerce scenarios.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalIEEE Access·DateDec 12, 2022
A study published in PLOS ONE found that patients who used virtual reality (VR) during hand surgery required less sedation and had shorter recovery times compared to those who received monitored anesthesia care. VR use also improved patient comfort and reduced anxiety.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2022
Research finds that crowding on public transit makes time seem to pass more slowly, with rushed commutes feeling significantly longer. The study used virtual reality simulations of subway rides and found that crowded trips took around 10% longer than less crowded ones.
SourceCornell University·JournalVirtual Reality·DateNov 30, 2022
A POSTECH research team developed single-cell-driven tri-channel encryption meta-displays, which project different images depending on where you look at them. These displays overcome the limitations of conventional metasurfaces by combining amplitude modulation and geometric phase manipulation.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 24, 2022
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.
Researchers have summarized the latest developments in mass transfer techniques for large-scale and high-density microLED arrays. The techniques address key challenges such as interfacial adhesion mechanisms and process parameters to achieve high reliability and efficiency.
SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 14, 2022
The study presents UnityMol as a successful software tool for VR porting, enabling enhanced digital twin models. Interactive simulations also have great potential for research and collaborative problem-solving.
SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateNov 6, 2022
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a VR system that enables users to share their visual and sensory experiences on Segways with remote collaborators. The system reduced VR sickness by 54% and improved user experience, promising new possibilities for remote collaboration.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalAdvanced Robotics·DateNov 5, 2022
NJIT Assistant Professor Salam Daher is using augmented reality technology to train caretakers for the elderly. The project aims to improve communication and empathy skills through a digital model of an older person that responds to emotions and environment. The system will be tested to investigate its impact on patient outcomes.
SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateNov 4, 2022
A new study published in iScience found that humans tend to follow a two-step process when in a crowd, with an initial reflexive imitation followed by a more deliberate strategic decision. The research suggests this influence affects not only social norms but also immediate actions and underlies behaviors such as rioting and mass panic.
SourceAston University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022
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.
A team co-led by CityU developed a wearable electrotactile rendering system that can mimic the sensation of touch with high spatial resolution and a rapid response rate. The device has various application potential, including enhancing VR/AR experiences and facilitating work in thick gloves.
SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a virtual reality therapy to aid in substance use disorder recovery, using 'future-self avatars' to help people choose long-term rewards over immediate gratification. The technology has shown promising results in lowering relapse rates and increasing future self-connectedness.
SourceIndiana University·JournalDiscover Mental Health·DateOct 19, 2022
A new VR gaming technology has been developed that enables players to smell in virtual environments, using an olfactometer that can be printed on 3D printers. This allows for the creation of scent-based game mechanics based on player movements and judgments.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
The study explored how humans react to DAVE, a Virtual Labrador, in virtual reality. Researchers found that humans exhibited varying behaviors when interacting with the digital dog, shedding light on canine-human interactions.
Patients undergoing virtual reality immersion during hand surgery required significantly less anesthetic to manage pain, suggesting its potential as a non-pharmacologic distraction method. The study compared VR immersion to monitored anesthesia care and found no significant differences in post-operative pain or anxiety levels.
A new virtual hiking map for Jezero crater has been created using orbital imagery, terrain data, and real-time 3D panoramic views. The map allows users to explore the Martian surface in detail, including steep slopes and immersive environments.
A Trinity College Dublin study explores the intersection of identity, technology, and social dynamics in social virtual reality. Researchers found that avatars can represent intersecting characteristics, influencing users' social interactions and belonging to certain groups.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Digital Social Research·DateSep 21, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A randomized controlled trial found that virtual reality immersion reduced the need for sedatives during hand surgery, leading to lower doses of propofol and shorter post-operative lengths of stay. Patient satisfaction remained unchanged, but discharge times were significantly shorter.
SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 21, 2022
A new study at the University of Tokyo suggests that robotic eyes on autonomous vehicles can help pedestrians anticipate a vehicle's intentions, leading to safer crossings. The experiment found that participants made more cautious decisions when faced with moving eyes, with some males even reporting feeling safer.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022
The MEMEX project promotes social cohesion by using AI and interactive tools to share community stories linked to cultural heritage. The exhibition features audio-visual stories from Lisbon, Barcelona, Paris, and Genoa participants who co-created their own digital content.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·DateSep 15, 2022
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.
Researchers discovered an electric signal in the hippocampus triggered by novelty, inducing a transition from memory to learning states. The signal may work as a switch to enable the brain to balance forming new memories and recalling familiar ones.
SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2022
Engineers at Rice University have discovered a way to manipulate light at the nanoscale that surpasses the traditional Moss rule for optical materials. The researchers found that iron pyrite has a high refractive index, making it suitable for applications such as virtual reality and 3D displays.
SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2022
Researchers developed a thin lens with a continuously tunable focal length to alleviate vergence-accommodation conflict in AR/VR devices. The Alvarez lens can change focus continuously within a large range while being compact and lightweight.
Associate Professor Angelina Anani has won a $300,000 career development grant from the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration to support her research on mine planning and operations. She plans to use virtual and augmented reality technologies to optimize industry decisions and minimize risks.
SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateAug 11, 2022
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.
A study by Toyohashi University of Technology found that the human visual system flexibly modulates observers' perception according to their posture. The research used the Necker cube as a visual stimulus and found a significant difference in probability of perception depending on the viewing posture, with a bias towards looking up.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2022
A Japanese research team has developed a chopstick-shaped device that uses weak electrical charges to stimulate the tongue's saltiness. The study found that individuals following a low-sodium diet can reduce their salt intake by 30% through electric taste stimulation, enhancing the full flavor of salty foods.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·DateJul 5, 2022
Researchers from Kessler Foundation found that virtual reality (VR) technology can strengthen the effects of traditional cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training in individuals with MS. By increasing sensory input and promoting multisensory integration, VR may increase the effectiveness of these therapies.
SourceKessler Foundation·JournalNeuroSci·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 30, 2022
A study from Japan's University of Tokyo reveals that users can form a strong sense of ownership with virtual robotic arms, expanding their perceived personal space. The research aims to inform the design of real-life supernumerary robotic limb systems that people can use naturally.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A research team has developed supernumerary robotic arms that users can feel as part of their own body, expanding the possibilities for human augmentation. The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows that users can embody artificial objects and perceive them as extensions of their own body.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
A new study published in Frontiers found that virtual reality environments with green vegetation and colorful patterns increase heart rate and promote a pleasurable experience. Conversely, colorful patterns alone stimulate interest and fascination without the same restorative effect as nature.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2022
Researchers from Tohoku University found that virtual training can decrease psychosocial stress response and lower anxiety levels, comparable to real exercise. The study used immersive virtual reality to simulate physical activity, inducing physiological changes and cognitive benefits in young healthy subjects.
SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 17, 2022
A new program, IVAN, developed at Penn State uses virtual reality to teach nutrition concepts and improve users' skills. The program scored highly across 14 domains, indicating it was received positively by experts.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 24, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.