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Haptics device creates realistic virtual textures

Researchers developed a preference-driven model that uses human users to fine-tune virtual textures, allowing for more accurate and personalized tactile experiences. The technology has applications in various fields, including video games, fashion design, and surgical training.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalIEEE Transactions on Haptics·DateMay 20, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Mixed reality: US company Snap Inc. endows TU Graz professorship

Snap Inc has endowed a professorship at TU Graz to develop visionary software methods in camera technology and explore new approaches to visual information processing. The professorship will pursue new application ideas for mixed reality, including the fusion of photos with computer-generated content.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateMay 18, 2022

Algorithms empower metalens design

A new approach using artificial intelligence generates designs automatically, allowing researchers to create complex metasurfaces with billions of nanopillars. This enables the development of larger, more complex metalenses for virtual reality and augmented reality systems.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2022

Study finds realism a key factor in driving engagement with virtual reality videos

A recent study at North Carolina State University found that realism is a key factor in determining viewer engagement with virtual reality (VR) videos. The researchers discovered that viewers who enjoyed their VR experiences were more likely to want to watch additional VR videos in the future.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Using virtual reality for anger control

A new study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that virtual reality-based Anger Exposure Training reduced anger provoked by angry expression in both high and low aggression groups. Mindfulness Training also increased comfort levels in both groups, according to the researchers.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022
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.

Bringing health care’s vision of tomorrow into focus

A new $5 million center, MIXR, aims to develop, test and certify XR technologies in medicine and healthcare. The collaboration between academia, industry and government will improve medical training, patient management and health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateMay 5, 2022

Immersive VR: Empowering kids to survive in fire, flood, and war

A new virtual reality (VR) experience is educating children aged 10-12 about bushfires, helping them learn how to be safer in emergencies. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of immersive VR experiences in delivering positive learning outcomes for primary children.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Educational Computing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022

How did visitors experience the domestic space in Pompeii?

A team recreated a 3D model of an ancient Roman house and tracked the gaze of participants as they viewed it, uncovering details about the owner's personal power and status. The study uses VR and eye-tracking technology to gain insights into the past.

SourceLund University·JournalAntiquity·DateApr 6, 2022

Coming soon to cellphones, drones and eyeglasses: lenses as thin as 1/1000 of a hair

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed a standardized method to compare flat lens technologies, enabling the creation of ultra-thin lenses that are cheap, lightweight and efficient. This breakthrough has significant implications for various industries, including consumer electronics and VR headsets.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Photonics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 5, 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.

Active video games provide alternative workout

A study from the University of Georgia shows that exergaming can increase satisfaction and autonomy in exercise, leading to increased physical activity and motivation. The research followed participants who were randomly assigned to either exergame or traditional aerobics classes for six weeks.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateMar 22, 2022

You're doing it wrong: you need to compare apples to oranges

Ben-Gurion University researchers found that participants overwhelmingly preferred virtual reality for short-term cognitive tasks, but split over the long term. A combination of both virtual reality and socially adaptive robots may be key to keeping people engaged in remote cognitive training.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022

Simulated human eye movement aims to train metaverse platforms

Researchers at Duke University developed EyeSyn, a virtual eyes system that simulates human eye movement to train metaverse platforms. The system reduces privacy concerns and allows smaller companies to access the metaverse with minimal resources.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smoking before and after conception is linked to delayed embryonic development

A study published in Human Reproduction found that smoking by mothers during the periconceptional period is associated with delayed embryonic development, smaller foetuses at the 20-week ultrasound scan, and lower birth weights. The delay in embryonic development was found to have a greater impact in the second trimester of pregnancy.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Facial recognition technology taken to the next level in virtual reality

Researchers developed a system using facial expressions to manipulate objects in virtual reality environments, outperforming handheld controllers in terms of immersion. The technique has potential applications for people with disabilities, including amputees and those with motor neurone disease, allowing hands-free interactions.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Flies possess more sophisticated cognitive abilities than previously known

Researchers at UC San Diego's Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind discovered that fruit flies possess more sophisticated cognitive abilities than previously known. Using virtual reality and real-time brain imaging, they found attention, working memory, and conscious awareness-like capabilities in flies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Treatment for spatial neglect based on immersive virtual reality offers advantages over traditional therapies

Researchers developed a user-centered virtual reality system to engage stroke survivors with spatial neglect in intensive therapy, showing promising results. The system uses head-mounted displays and hand-tracking technology to deliver standardized treatment in an engaging environment.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Virtual tours make pig farming more transparent

Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that virtual farm tours using virtual reality glasses and tablets can improve transparency in pig farming. Participants appreciated the comfortable and entertaining information intake, but suggested that additional explanations be provided to support virtual farm tours.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 2, 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.

Differing cybersickness when playing or watching a virtual reality game

A study found that cybersickness decreases when playing a virtual reality game compared to passive watching, suggesting eye movement patterns play a key role in its occurrence. The researchers suggest developing methods to detect and mitigate cybersickness to enhance the sense of presence in VR experiences.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeCase study·DateJan 7, 2022

Virtual Reality could help make therapy easier

A study by Edith Cowan University found that 30% of people prefer discussing negative experiences with a virtual reality avatar, rather than a person. Researchers used full face and body motion capture technology to create realistic avatars, analyzing interactions between participants and avatars.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·TypeSurvey·DateJan 5, 2022

Virtual reality archery is “Braille” for orientation of blind people

Researchers developed a VR-based archery game to understand how blind people move and orient themselves in space. The platform showed that congenital blind individuals rely on body cues rather than environmental sounds for reorientation.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Virtual reality tool to be used in the fight against disease

A team of researchers from Lund University has developed a virtual reality tool called CellexalVR to help scientists better understand the complex relationships between genes and cell types. By using VR technology, researchers can visually explore large amounts of genomic data in a more intuitive and collaborative way.

SourceLund University·JournaliScience·DateNov 23, 2021

Ever been lost in the grocery store? Researchers are closer to knowing why it happens

A new study suggests that the brain uses a mechanism called 'repulsion' to differentiate between similar environments. Researchers found that when participants were asked about stores shared between two cities, their brains showed surprisingly different patterns of activity, indicating that they were treating these familiar locations a...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2021
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.

Anxiety cues found in the brain despite safe environment

Studies using virtual reality environments revealed that individuals with anxiety disorders exhibited increased brain activity in response to perceived threats, even in safe areas. The findings highlight the need for personalized treatments that help patients regain control over their body.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 12, 2021

Holographic displays

The Stanford Computational Imaging Lab has developed a technique to reduce speckling distortion in holographic displays, while another paper proposes a method to realistically represent the physics of 3D scenes. The new system uses neural networks and camera-in-the-loop calibration for real-time adjustments.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 12, 2021

For less than $10, anyone can now get up close and explore single cells in VR

A team of scientists developed a free VR tool called singlecellVR, allowing users to explore single-cell datasets in VR. The program is built on previous advancements and enables users to visualize their own precomputed data directly from commonly used single-cell analysis tools.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 28, 2021

Enhanced touch screens could help you ‘feel’ objects

Texas A&M researchers are advancing technology to give touch devices the ability to mimic physical objects, enriching virtual environments and reducing audiovisual overload. The goal is to create predictive models for designing devices with maximum haptic effect and minimum sensitivity to users and environmental variations.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeNews article·DateOct 26, 2021
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.

Zebrafish predict the future to avoid virtual danger

Researchers discovered zebrafish neurons that monitor prediction errors to efficiently avoid danger, creating a 'hazard map' in the brain. This study sheds light on brain circuits shared across vertebrates, including humans.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2021

Virtual reality affects children differently than adults

A study of 80 children aged 6-10 found that young children struggle with torso control in virtual reality environments, whereas adults can easily navigate using simple body movements. The results contradict the current understanding of motor control development, suggesting that VR can disrupt traditional coordination strategies.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2021

Flies in a VR world reveal how vision affects locomotion

Researchers used fruit flies in a virtual reality setting to show that vision influences body movements by tuning postural adjustments as a preventative measure. Without vision, the limb control systems respond to balance and posture perturbations, but when vision is available, the behavioral goal of walking straight takes precedence.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021
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.

A game changer: Virtual reality reduces pain and anxiety in children

A study at Children's Hospital Los Angeles shows that virtual reality can decrease pain and anxiety in children undergoing intravenous catheter placement. The technology works by shifting focus and preventing pain from being registered, leading to a more positive experience for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 25, 2021

This touchy-feely glove senses and maps tactile stimuli

The MIT-designed tactile glove can map subtle changes in pressure across the palm, helping to restore motor function after stroke. The glove's sensors can also track pulse and vital signs accurately, even during movement.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2021

Wearable brain-machine interface turns intentions into actions

A new wearable brain-machine interface system allows users to imagine actions and wirelessly control wheelchairs, robotic arms, or other devices. The soft and comfortable wearable device offers improved signal acquisition and accuracy compared to existing BMI systems.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 21, 2021

Bringing the jury to the crime scene via a 3D headset

A new study by University of South Australia researchers found that virtual reality leads to better recall, spatial accuracy, and more consistent verdicts. Participants viewing a 3D scene were 9.5 times more likely to choose the same verdict than those relying on photographs.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateJul 21, 2021
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.

Olfactory virtual realities show promise for mental health practices and integrative care

A study published in the Journal of Medical Research and Health Sciences found that scent-enhanced virtual reality technologies can improve therapeutic benefits for chronic pain, anxiety, and mood disorders. Participants reported significant reductions in anxiety levels after OVR sessions, with improvements lasting up to three hours.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Medical Research and Health Sciences·DateJun 10, 2021
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.

Virtual reality warps your sense of time

Researchers found that playing games in virtual reality creates a 'time compression' effect, where players perceive less time passing than they think. This was observed among participants who played the game first in virtual reality, and could have implications for both benefits and harms of VR technology.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalTiming & Time Perception·DateMay 13, 2021

Locomotion Vault will help guide innovations in virtual reality locomotion

The Locomotion Vault project provides a central, freely-available resource to analyze various virtual reality locomotion techniques. Researchers and developers can use the interactive database to inform decisions about the best approach for their application, while also identifying gaps where future investigation might be necessary.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·DateMay 12, 2021

Want to learn to change a tire? Virtual reality could help

A study by PLOS ONE found that virtual reality training with augmented multisensory cues improves user experience during training and task performance in the real world. The findings suggest that this technology can be a valuable tool for teaching essential skills like car maintenance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2021
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.

Modernizing the naval selection process

The US Navy is developing a virtual reality personality assessment tool to improve recruitment and selection processes. The Manpower and Personnel Assessment Battery (MPAB) will use virtual reality technology, physiological markers, and real-time data analytics to assess applicants' skills and personalities.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 17, 2021

20 years of research on the use of virtual reality in education

A review of 149 articles on VR in education found that basic science, social science, and health/medicine were the most popular disciplines. VR interventions had a medium effect on learning, with disciplinary design and level of immersion influencing this effect.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Computer Assisted Learning·DateMar 17, 2021
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.