SyGlass
Learn how IDRM researchers use SyGlass, a virtual reality software for exploring, annotating and sharing 3D data to engage with the public.
SyGlass at IDRM
SyGlass is an immersive virtual reality engine that allows users to explore and interact with 3D scientific data. Within the 3D VR environment, users can interact with stunning microscopy images created by IDRM's researchers. One such image was the embryonic thymus contributed by cardiovascular researcher David Grainger. With the help of the VR viewer, users can slice through tissue sections of this organ and visualise it in 3D.
“I wish technology like this existed when I was at university. Being able to see in 3D rather than a static image in a textbook really helps put things in context and shows how different parts of an organ work together.”
James Nicolle, Oxford Open Door 2024 visitor.
The SyGlass Idea
Every day, research scientists across the globe are capturing breathtaking 3D image datasets, revealing the stunning intricacies of biological structures that most people never get to see.
With the help of new visualisation technologies, users can step into immersive experiences to explore these vast datasets in 3D, interacting with intricate biological structures as if holding them in their hands. VR allows us to go beyond the limits of traditional screens and truly unlock the beauty and complexity hidden within data. Better yet, it opens up a new medium for scientific discovery and appreciation.
