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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.

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.

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 28, 2019

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.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 18, 2019

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalFrontiers in ICT·DateNov 30, 2018

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2018

The Lancet Psychiatry: Automated virtual reality-based psychological therapy may help reduce fear of heights

A randomised controlled trial found that automated virtual reality therapy can be as effective as exposure to real-life heights in reducing fear, with participants reporting a significant reduction in fear levels after treatment. The study provides proof of concept for future psychological interventions and could increase access to men...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 11, 2018

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 2018

Brain can navigate based solely on smells

Researchers developed a novel olfactory virtual reality system that enables the study of how smells engage the brain's navigation system. The study demonstrated that mice can form a map of their surroundings based solely on smells, suggesting a potential new frontier in multisensory VR experience development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2018

Field trips of the future?

UCSB biologist Douglas McCauley explores the pros and cons of using virtual and augmented reality in environmental science education. He argues that while VR and AR have potential upsides, such as enhanced experiences and simulations, they may also detract from core values like face-to-face interaction and direct observation of nature.

Magnetic fields to alleviate anxiety

Researchers at University of Würzburg found that transcranial magnetic stimulation can improve anxiety treatment outcomes, particularly for fear of heights. The study used virtual reality to induce fear and showed that stimulated brain regions lead to accelerated therapy responses.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateSep 13, 2017

Seeing with your ears

Researchers developed a novel acoustics project that combines computer models and live concert recordings to produce immersive spatial audio and virtual reality experiences. The project aims to improve virtual reality and explore the effects of ear shape on 3D sound perception.

Virtual support groups help grieving spouses with depression

A new study by University of Arizona researchers found that virtual reality support groups can be an effective tool for older adults dealing with grief and depression. Participants showed improvements in stress, loneliness, and sleep quality, but only those in the virtual reality group reported a reduction in symptoms of depression.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 10, 2017