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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

Virtual reality program lessens physical side effects of hemodialysis

A new virtual reality program has been shown to reduce the physical side effects of hemodialysis in patients, such as fatigue and nausea. The program, which involves a mindfulness/meditation exercise, was found to greatly improve symptoms in patients who used it during their treatment sessions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalKidney360·DateFeb 24, 2021

Virtual reality helping to treat fear of heights

A virtual reality app called Easyheights has been shown to improve ability to handle real height situations, with participants able to ascend further towards the top than before training. The app uses 360° images and gradually increases perceived distance without increasing fear levels.

SourceUniversity of Basel·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2021
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.

Center for BrainHealth researchers create virtual reality cognitive assessment

A new virtual reality cognitive assessment has been developed by Center for BrainHealth researchers, effectively testing executive function in everyday tasks. The study found that participants' performance is not related to their working memory capacity, but rather on their strategies and approaches.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·DateFeb 5, 2021

Exercise caution after working out in virtual reality

A new study found that one in seven players still reported VR sickness 40 minutes after playing popular VR exergames like Beat Saber. Researchers caution gamers to exercise caution and wait for symptoms before engaging in higher-risk activities.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateFeb 4, 2021

A metalens for virtual and augmented reality

A team of researchers at Harvard University has developed a two-millimeter achromatic metalens that can focus RGB colors without aberrations, opening a path to new virtual reality platforms. The lens uses nanostructures to focus light and is the largest RGB-achromatic metalens to date.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 27, 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.

How does immersive reality affect implicit racial bias?

Researchers found that immersive virtual reality can reduce implicit racial bias when participants experience a neutral or positive social situation. However, a negative environment can lead to increased biases and decreased body ownership, suggesting caution in using VR as an empathy machine.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateDec 17, 2020

Operations on screen: Creating an accessible surgery simulator

A UOC project has developed a 3D virtual environment to train surgeons' psychomotor skills, providing real-time feedback and metrics. The tool has been tested with over 148 users, showing its validity in improving surgeons' performance at different stages of their careers.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalJMIR Serious Games·DateDec 2, 2020
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.

Watching nature on TV can boost wellbeing, finds new study

Watching high-quality nature programs on TV can uplift moods and reduce negative emotions, while experiencing virtual reality nature can lead to increased positive feelings and a stronger connection to the natural world. The study found that interactive VR experiences had the most significant benefits.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateOct 13, 2020

New virtual reality software allows scientists to 'walk' inside cells

Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed vLUME, a virtual reality software that allows for the visualization and analysis of complex biological data. This enables faster testing and analysis, leading to new discoveries and insights into fundamental problems in biology.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 12, 2020

Putting virtual rehab for stroke patients to the test

Researchers developed a new gaming platform to improve rehabilitation for stroke survivors with hemispatial neglect. The platform, 'c-SIGHT', uses videogame technology to engage patients and track progress.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNeuropsychological Rehabilitation·DateSep 24, 2020
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.

Study evaluates immersive virtual reality as a sleep aid for teens

A recent study found that immersive virtual reality and slow breathing techniques can help promote bedtime relaxation and improve overall sleep quality in adolescents. The study revealed an average reduction of 6 minutes in sleep latency and a 3% increase in sleep efficiency among participants.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 25, 2020

Hidden secrets written in stone

A new VR experience, Beyond the Ice, brings Hallett Cove's fossilized landscape to life with immersive 3D detail. Users can identify fossils, measure glacial grooves and draw rock folds using virtual tools.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateAug 17, 2020

A Raspberry Pi-based virtual reality system for small animals

Researchers developed a low-cost, customizable VR system to study animal behavior using freely moving small animals. The system, called PiVR, enables the delivery of virtual realities in real-time, allowing scientists to examine causal relationships between neural activity and specific behaviors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 14, 2020
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.

Getting real with immersive sword fights

A team at the University of Bath has developed Touche, a data-driven computer model that generates responsive animations against attacks and eliminates non-reactive behavior from characters. This framework simplifies the necessary technical work to achieve a convincing simulation, resulting in more realistic results for game developers.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJun 23, 2020

Limits of human color perception

Researchers found that people are often unaware of color removal from their visual periphery in virtual reality, suggesting limitations to human color awareness. The studies used 178 participants and revealed that peripheral color detection is less accurate than previously believed.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How flying insects navigate

Flying insects integrate visual, olfactory, and aerodynamic cues to locate objects in 3D space. Research using virtual reality revealed that Dipteran species use depth cues, wind tunnel-like airflow fields, and odor information to navigate.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

3D VR blood flow to improve cardiovascular care

Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a massive fluid dynamics simulator to model blood flow through the full human arterial system, providing guidance for treatment plans. A new graphical user interface called Harvis allows clinicians to easily explore options without expertise in computer science.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Computational Science·DateMay 13, 2020
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.

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateApr 28, 2020

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...

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·DateApr 27, 2020

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.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateApr 20, 2020

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 25, 2020

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 18, 2020
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.

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.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateFeb 15, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateFeb 13, 2020
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.

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.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 8, 2020

Virtual reality and drones help to predict and protect koala habitat

Researchers used a combination of VR, aerial thermal-imaging, and ground surveys to develop a statistical model for predicting koala locations. The three-pronged approach proved 75% more accurate than ground surveys alone, providing critical information for koala protection.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2019
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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalVaccine·DateDec 3, 2019

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.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·DateNov 28, 2019
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.

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateNov 22, 2019

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.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateSep 25, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNeuron·DateSep 17, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 27, 2019

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2019

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA·DateAug 2, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 30, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJul 30, 2019

Virtual reality improves tolerance of anaesthesia procedures and reduces need for intravenous sedation by at least 50%

A new study finds that virtual reality hypnosis distraction (VRHD) can reduce anxiety and procedure-related pain during locoregional anaesthesia for orthopaedic procedures. The randomised trial shows a significant reduction in the need for intravenous sedation, with 25% of patients requiring no further sedation.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 1, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateMay 23, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction·DateMay 21, 2019