Virtual Reality News and Research

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Operating room distractions can contribute to major errors by young surgeons

A study has found that young, less-experienced surgeons made major surgical mistakes almost half the time during a "simulated" gall bladder removal when they were distracted by noises, questions, conversation or other commotion in the operating room.

1 Dec 2012

Chalmers researcher develops world's first implantable robotic arm controlled by thoughts

The world's first implantable robotic arm controlled by thoughts is being developed by Chalmers researcher Max Ortiz Catalan. The first operations on patients will take place this winter.

28 Nov 2012

Surgery simulation ‘catapults’ trainees' abilities

Study findings indicate that simulator training for otorhinolaryngology residents results in equal, if not superior, performance compared with traditional training that involves finite repetition of live procedures.

22 Nov 2012

Online presence can positively affect physical health and well-being

Internet-based interactive games and social media outlets have become intertwined with the physical realities of millions of people around the world. When an individual strongly identifies with the cyber representation of themselves, known as an avatar, the electronic doppelganger can influence that person's health and appearance, according to a University of Missouri researcher's study.

7 Nov 2012

iLarynx app effective at simulating fiberoptic bronchoscopy

A study presented during the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012 annual meeting has shown that an iPhone application called iLarynx was so effective at simulating fiberoptic bronchoscopy that when app-trained students eventually used a real bronchoscope on a manikin, they completed the procedure in less than half the time than students exposed only to anatomy photos.

17 Oct 2012

New York Stem Cell Foundation names 6 scientists as 2012 NYSCF - Robertson Investigators

The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) named six of the most promising scientists as its 2012 NYSCF - Robertson Investigators.

11 Oct 2012

‘Video game’ teaches blind people to navigate buildings

Blind people can learn the spatial layout of an unfamiliar building using a novel “video game” virtual reality environment that employs only audio-based cues, thus enabling them to learn skills that may improve functional independence, say US and Chilean scientists.

25 Sep 2012

NVIDIA video cards can help reduce radiation exposure from X-ray and CT scans

Video gamers are generally the biggest consumers of computer graphics cards, using the devices to boost the speed and resolution of their digital quests to fend off invading extraterrestrials or outwit hostile dragons. But researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute seek to harness the power of these computer graphics cards to solve one of the world's most pressing health care technology challenges: radiation exposure from X-ray and CT imaging scans.

25 Sep 2012

NeuroTouch system provides 3-d graphics and tactile feedback during brain cancer surgery

A new virtual reality simulator-including sophisticated 3-D graphics and tactile feedback-provides neurosurgery trainees with valuable opportunities to practice essential skills and techniques for brain cancer surgery, according to a paper in the September issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

24 Sep 2012

Longer looks: The smells to treat PTSD; Nudging healthy choices; When a disabled daughter was shunned

On an Orlando college campus, veterans and active duty soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder inhale the unmistakable smell of burning tires, rotting garbage and Middle Eastern spices as part of a virtual reality treatment for the psychological wounds of war. Participants sit in a chair wearing a head-mounted display and video goggles connected to a computer system and a scent machine that puffs out the odors, recreating their memories of war.

14 Sep 2012

Healthcare professionals receive SingHealth Duke-NUS Scientific Congress abstract awards

Results of the highly anticipated Best Oral Presentation and Best Poster Awards were announced at SingHealth Duke-NUS Scientific Congress 2012, held on 3 and 4 August 2012 at the Raffles City Convention Centre.

8 Aug 2012

Study investigates effects of stress management tool that can also appeal to younger generation

Can modern technology be the solution to the ever-increasing problem of overworked and overstressed college students? Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) doctor of nursing practice (DNP) student Billinda Tebbenhoff sought to find out.

28 Jul 2012

Simulated training improves performance of surgical residents in OR

New research has shown that surgical residents who received structured training in a simulated environment perform significantly better when they start operating on patients.

6 Jul 2012

eHealth offers Europe solutions that can help avoid healthcare crisis

Healthcare systems face enormous challenges over the coming years. The increasing demands of an aging population, the rising cost of treatments and medications, and budget shortfalls are all issues that will need to be addressed if Europeans are to continue to enjoy high standards of care. eHealth, enabled by information and communication technologies, offers Europe solutions that can help avoid healthcare crisis.

8 Jun 2012

VirtaMed launches new virtual reality training simulator for knee arthroscopy

The Swiss company VirtaMed AG is launching ArthroS, a new virtual reality training simulator for knee arthroscopy.

From VirtaMed 19 May 2012

Autism researcher awarded $1 million grant to apply virtual-reality technology

UC Davis autism researcher and education specialist Peter Mundy has received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to apply virtual-reality technology to evaluate social attention and its relation to academic achievement among school children with autism.

3 May 2012

Sleep deprivation may affect surgeons' ability to tackle unexpected events

Sleep-deprived surgeons can perform a previously learned task or learn a new task as well as surgeons who are rested, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers. However, in sleep-deprived surgeons, the brain must work harder, which could lead to problems during unexpected events.

3 May 2012

Fear of flying can be cured independently of YOH or after 4 sessions of VRET

This randomized controlled trial shows that fear of flying can be cured independently of drug condition [yohimbine hydrochloride (a noradrenaline agonist) or placebo] after 4 sessions of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET).

15 Mar 2012

Scientists use novel system to discover sequential firing of neurons

Princeton University researchers have used a novel virtual reality and brain imaging system to detect a form of neural activity underlying how the brain forms short-term memories that are used in making decisions.

15 Mar 2012

Measuring wellbeing in Huntington’s disease

The new tool, the first Huntington’s disease-specific quality of life instrument of its kind, aims to fully capture the impact of this complex disease on the everyday life of sufferers. By using this new tool to more accurately measure the impact of Huntington’s and also any effect of therapeutic interventions, scientists will be in a better position to evaluate the usefulness of interventions on patients’ everyday quality of life to see if there is actually a practical benefit. It is hoped that in this way, this tool will lead to more effective treatments.

8 Mar 2012