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New device simulates feel of walls, solid objects in virtual reality

A new device developed at Carnegie Mellon University uses multiple strings attached to the hand and fingers to simulate the feel of obstacles and heavy objects in virtual reality. The device provides more realistic haptic feedback than other techniques, enabling users to feel the contours of virtual objects and sense resistance.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Virtual and augmented reality: warnings about the ethical dangers

Researchers warn of the risks of virtual and augmented reality becoming increasingly realistic, leading to difficulties in distinguishing between reality and virtual experiences. This can result in problems such as remembering virtual events as real and failing to distinguish between actual and simulated events. The study also highligh...

Virtual reality makes empathy easier

New research uses virtual reality to increase identification with others by activating brain networks, aiding in treatment of violent offenders. The technology also helps improve understanding and relationships by simulating multi-sensory feedback.

Video game experience, gender may improve VR learning

A new Cornell University study found that students with more video game experience learned better using VR than those with little experience, with males showing greater advantage. The study suggests that either prior video game experience or gender may impact the success of VR-based learning.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall

Researchers found that people's prior beliefs about themselves may prevent accurate judgment of real appearance. By viewing their body from a third-person perspective, individuals rated it more attractively, pointing to potential applications for treating body perception disorders.

Energized by enzymes -- nature's catalysts

Researchers are exploring enzymes' essential features to convert abundant raw materials into usable fuel. PNNL scientists designed an artificial enzyme that converts carbon dioxide to formate, a potential kind of fuel.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Storytelling can reduce VR cybersickness

A study found that emotionally evocative storylines can reduce virtual reality cybersickness, especially in non-gamers, by enhancing presence and decreasing sensory conflicts. The findings suggest that game design can be used to create more inclusive VR experiences.

VR is not suited to visual memory?!

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology discovered that active virtual reality (VR) experiences hinder visual memory more than passive ones. This finding challenges the potential use of VR as an educational tool, highlighting the need for teaching materials that account for its characteristics.

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.

Virtual reality could help flu vaccination rates

A new study suggests that immersive virtual reality can increase the acceptance of flu vaccinations among adults aged 18-49. The research found that participants who experienced a five-minute virtual reality simulation showed increased concern about transmitting flu to others and were more confident in the effectiveness of vaccination.

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 real

Scientists from Skoltech ADASE lab have developed a method to enhance depth map resolution, enabling more realistic virtual reality and computer graphics. The new approach leverages human perception to assess reconstruction quality, outperforming existing methods in visual quality.

Virtual reality would make attending therapy easier for stroke survivors

A virtual reality clinic created by researchers at North Carolina State University makes it easier for stroke survivors to attend physical and occupational therapy sessions. The system, called VERGE, encourages participants to work on therapy exercises with loved ones remotely, leading to increased attendance and engagement.

To navigate, flies make flexible mental maps of the world

Researchers found that fruit flies can build and update mental maps of their surroundings by linking visual features to compass neurons, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This flexible mapping ability has implications for how other animals navigate in the wild and may even influence human navigation.

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.

Avatars against obesity

Researchers at the University of Würzburg are developing a new therapy approach using virtual reality avatars to combat obesity. The avatars aim to provide a realistic body image, promoting acceptance and self-reflection in patients struggling with the condition.

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.

Brain may not need body movements to learn virtual spaces

A study published in Neuron found that brain areas and patterns of interaction are similar regardless of navigation method, suggesting that sufficient information can be obtained from visual cues alone. The research suggests that even basic virtual reality systems may be useful in instructional applications.

Seeing it both ways: Visual perspective in memory

Researchers found that viewing memories in the third person reduces vividness and emotion, while recalling experiences in the first person strengthens memory. Virtual reality technology is being used to explore how perspective influences memory formation.

Virtual reality experiences may help treat severe pain

A randomized trial of 120 hospital patients found that virtual reality (VR) sessions significantly reduced severe pain scores compared to a relaxation program on TV. Patients who used VR reported higher satisfaction with the experience and no difference in opioid prescribing.

Surgery simulators are key to assessment of trainees

A new study from McGill University uses machine learning-guided virtual reality simulators to accurately assess the capabilities of neurosurgeons. The researchers found that these AI-powered tools can predict the level of expertise with 90% accuracy, enabling more efficient and effective mentorship.

Learning in virtual spaces

Researchers at the University of Würzburg are developing a social-VR platform called ViLeArn to explore the potential of virtual reality in education. The platform allows students to engage in fully equipped virtual teaching environments, fostering collaboration and creativity.

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.

Virtual reality to solve personal problems

A study found that talking to oneself as if they were Dr. Sigmund Freud in virtual reality improved people's mood and helped them find solutions to their problems, with over 80% of participants reporting a change compared to 50% in the control group.

Interactive quantum chemistry in virtual reality

Scientists from the University of Bristol and ETH Zurich have developed an interactive VR software framework that enables humans to train machine-learning algorithms using 'on-the-fly' quantum mechanics calculations. This allows for high-quality training data generation, improving machine learning models and accelerating scientific dis...

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.

How usable is virtual reality?

Researchers developed an automated process to detect user-friendliness issues in virtual environments. This technology allows for more frequent, cost-effective, and efficient testing of virtual reality applications, leading to improved user experience and reduced errors.

Virtual reality could be used to treat autism

Researchers from the University of Waterloo found that virtual reality can help individuals with autism and other neurological disorders recalibrate their internal clock. The study used a VR game to encourage participants to adjust their time perception, resulting in significant reductions in estimates of time by around 15 percent.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Elementary mathematics brings Star Trek’s Holodeck closer to reality

Researchers from Bilkent University develop a technique to eliminate cross-talk in 3D holographic projection, enabling the creation of realistic and dynamic holograms. The method uses wavefront engineering and orthogonality properties to achieve high-quality projections with increasing hologram resolution.

Virtual reality could improve your balance, study finds

A new study by Lund University found that virtual reality can help individuals with long-term dizziness shift their reliance from vision to other senses for better balance. The study showed differences in how men and women are affected by VR, with more women needing additional practice to master this skill.

Does awe lead to greater interest in science?

Researchers found that feeling awe leads to a greater awareness of knowledge gaps and increased interest in science. In studies involving virtual reality videos, participants who experienced awe were more likely to seek out scientific information and visit science museums.

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.

Virtual reality a promising tool for reducing fears and phobia in autism

A new pilot study found that autistic adults showed real-life improvement after a virtual reality treatment combining graded exposure to fear and anxiety-producing experiences. The approach, which included cognitive behavioral therapy, aimed to minimize anxiety and promote functional improvement in individuals with autism.

UTSA wins Intel grant to cure cybersickness

Researchers at UTSA create Cyberwell, an algorithm that reduces negative side effects of virtual reality on users. The algorithm predicts and personalizes cybersickness reduction through deep learning models.

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.

Virtual reality could serve as powerful environmental education tool

Researchers found that virtual reality experiences increased scores on questions about ocean acidification causes and mechanisms by almost 150 percent. Immersive simulations also sparked a lasting sense of connectedness, as users felt a connection with their bodies during the experience.

Force Push VR brings Jedi powers to life

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a virtual reality technique called Force Push, enabling users to manipulate objects with subtle hand gestures. The interface responds to the speed and magnitude of hand movements, providing a more physical and intuitive experience than traditional hand controllers.

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.

Yes, your pet can tell time

A new study found 'timing cells' in the brain that turn on when an animal waits, allowing it to measure a time interval. The research could lead to early-detection tests for Alzheimer's disease by asking people to judge how much time has elapsed.

Virtual reality may encourage empathic behavior

A study published in PLOS ONE found that virtual reality systems can aid perspective-taking and foster empathy, leading to more altruistic behaviors. Participants who used VR reported higher levels of empathy and were more likely to sign petitions supporting homeless populations.

Eating with your eyes: Virtual reality can alter taste

A recent study by Cornell University found that virtual reality can significantly alter the perceived pungency of blue cheese when eaten in different environments. The researchers used a sensory booth, park bench, and cow barn to test how surroundings affect food perception.

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.

Google unveils new virtual reality experience at ACM SIGGRAPH 2018

The Google team developed a comprehensive system for capturing and rendering high-quality spherical light field still images from footage captured in the real world. The processing pipeline uses computer vision to place the images in 3D and generate depth maps, resulting in a truly immersive experience with unmatched realism.

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.

Forget joysticks, use your torso to pilot drones

Researchers at EPFL designed a new method of drone piloting using only torso movements, which was found to be more immersive and effective than traditional joystick control. The study, published in PNAS, reveals that only four markers on the torso are needed to pilot drones through obstacles effectively.

Seeing yourself as Einstein may change the way you think

A virtual reality simulation of Albert Einstein's body reduces age stereotypes and enhances cognitive performance in those with low self-esteem. Participants with low self-esteem who experienced the virtual Einstein body performed better on cognitive tasks and showed reduced implicit bias against older people.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New drug and material discoveries to be untangled in VR

Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed new virtual reality cloud-based tools to accelerate research tasks in drug and material discovery. Using real-time molecular simulations, researchers can now interact with molecules in a virtual space, folding, knotting, and changing their shape to test interactions.