VR For Cancer Treatment

Researchers are using VR to improve cancer treatment. Several cancer charities, Cambridge University, and some video game designers have teamed up to work on a new approach to how doctors treat cancer. Tumors are highly complex growths, which is what makes cancer surgery so difficult. However, using VR, doctors may be able to explore digital versions of a patient's tumor instead of relying on a chart or X-ray of the disease.

The tumors are displayed as a colorful matrix of dots within the VR program. There are different kinds of cancer cells, and the individual colors allow doctors to differentiate between them and other kinds of tissue present in the area. As doctors will have a new perspective and the ability to interact with the model, they may be able to make more accurate diagnoses and recommend a better course of treatment than they can with standard methods.

More information:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/this-new-vr-technology-could-change-the-future-of-cancer-treatment/ar-AA15N1dB

VR Could Help Diagnose ADHD

A group of researchers based out of Aalto University, Åbo Akademi Universit, and the University of Helsinki has developed a VR game that can supposedly help diagnose attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The kid-friendly interactive experience uses a combination of machine learning and eye-tracking to effectively identify a variety of ADHD symptoms. Referred to as Executive Performance in Everyday Living (EPELI), the game immerses users in a virtual apartment where they must complete a series of everyday tasks. To succeed, users need to think ahead and remember their instructions while ignoring all distractions in the process.

Currently, the most popular method for detecting ADHD symptoms is the Continuous Performance Task (CPT) test, during which participants watch a sequence of letters appear on a screen and press a button anytime a letter other than ‘X’ appears. According to researchers, EPELI could provide a more effective solution for diagnosing ADHD compared to a CPT test while better motivating users. All the neuropsychologists who answered a feedback survey after the first pilot said they had benefited from using VR methods as a complementary tool in their work. The team recently added eye-tracking to the game, allowing them to better diagnose attention deficits by tracking a user’s eye movements.

More information:

https://vrscout.com/news/study-shows-how-vr-could-help-diagnose-adhd/

Adobe’s VR 3D Modeling Tool

Adobe’s VR modeling tool, Substance 3D Modeler, is now available on Steam, bringing with it support for Valve’s Index headset and possibly others. The application supports VR and non-VR modes. In VR, users can intuitively ‘sculpt’ 3D models to their liking, then pull them into the 2D mode for refinements and use with the rest of the Substance suite (or vice versa).

Ostensibly the app should work just fine through Steam on Meta headsets as well, and other SteamVR headsets may work with the app too, assuming users can create the correct bindings for their controllers (though Adobe is not claiming official support for any other headsets at this time). Sources tell us that official support for Vive wands could be coming.

More information:

https://www.roadtovr.com/adobe-substance-3d-modeler-vr-steam-index-vive-support/