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Virtual reality body transfer illusion and more

A new study demonstrates that a first-person perspective of a life-sized virtual human female body can generate a body transfer illusion, where subjects experience ownership of the virtual body. This finding contradicts previous research assuming visuotactile synchrony as the critical factor in ownership illusions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2010

Crushing cigarettes in a virtual reality environment reduces tobacco addiction

A study published in CyberPsychology and Behavior found that smokers who crushed virtual cigarettes in a virtual reality environment had significantly reduced nicotine dependence and higher rates of tobacco abstinence compared to those who grasped virtual balls. The treatment group stayed in the program longer, with higher rates of smo...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCyberPsychology & Behavior·DateOct 27, 2009

Gesture recognition

Researchers developed a computer system architecture that can recognize human gestures, enabling people with physical disabilities to interact with computers. The system uses datagloves with illuminated LEDs tracked by webcams to monitor hand or shoulder movements.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Arts and Technology·DateDec 18, 2008

Optic flow: A step in the right direction

Brown University researchers found that subjects who had access to optic flow adapted faster and made it to virtual targets more easily than those without. The study suggests that optic flow plays a crucial role in navigating through environments.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 15, 2007

Eyeballs vs footballs: The final

Researchers found that goalkeepers are unable to accurately predict the trajectory of a spinning football, relying on the ball's current heading direction. The study suggests that inherent limitations in the human visual system hinder this ability.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateMay 19, 2006

Virtual reality, real ingenuity

The Marine Corps has created a dedicated virtual-reality training system for its assault amphibian vehicles, allowing for increased training capabilities due to range and ammunition supply constraints. The Virtual Environment Assault Amphibian Vehicle (VEAAV) training system was developed by a Navy-Marine Corps team in just six months.

Geology goes virtual

The Keck Center for Active Visualization in Earth Sciences will enable geologists to build and test large-scale models of the Earth's interior. The facility will allow researchers to interact with their data in a more realistic way, using virtual reality tools developed by UC Davis researchers.