Scientists combine VR, microscopy to see ‘inside’ diseases

Scientists have made another innovative use of technology in the field of medical by using virtual reality to see ‘inside’ diseases to find new ways to prevent and treat them.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have allowed scientists walk ‘inside’ the cells by combining virtual reality with expansion microscopy – that enlarges samples by over 100 times –, letting them to enlarge, explore and analyze cell structures way beyond the abilities of traditional microscopes.

This combination allowed them to explore cell data that would otherwise is too difficult to handle. Once the cells have been imaged, labeled and compiled into data, a custom technique then turns the 2D information into 3D environments.

Take a tour of supermassive black hole through virtual reality

The VR tool, called ExMicroVR, will enable the team to see and manipulate the originally 2D expansion microscope images in 3D, proving a 360 degree view of tissue and protein organizations and interactions, explained Carnegie Mellon University.

“This is the future of how scientists can handle complex data,” researcher Yongxin (Leon) Zhao said. “It’s an immersive experience, just like you are sitting inside your data. You have the freedom to explore your data from every angle and every spot.”

This technology allows as many as six people to experience data at the same time. Moreover, the team also aims to make this technology ‘affordable and easily accessible’ to the developing countries. This approach, as per the researchers, would eventually provide a greater level of understanding about those diseases that could lead to more effective diagnoses, prevention and treatments, explained Engadget.