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virtual reality

·May 20, 2024·4 min read

VR Unveils Brain’s GPS Response to Illusions

Researchers successfully induced illusions of self-location in participants using multi-sensory virtual reality (VR). They observed corresponding changes in the brain's grid cells, which are responsible for spatial navigation. This study is the first to demonstrate that purely cognitive changes in self-location, without physical movement or visual cues, can trigger activity in grid cells.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 6, 2024·5 min read

Virtual Reality Shows Promise in Treating Depression

A new study demonstrates the potential of virtual reality (VR) in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). Using extended reality-enhanced behavioral activation (XR-BA), researchers found that VR interventions could match the effectiveness of traditional behavioral activation therapies.

This shows a woman in a VR headset dancing.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 29, 2024·4 min read

New VR Technique Enhances Dance Learning

Researchers developed a groundbreaking virtual reality technique called WAVE to enhance the learning of dance choreography. The technique uses a wave-like visualization of model dancers, enabling learners to anticipate and execute dance moves without prior rehearsal.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 6, 2024·7 min read

PTSD: Virtual Reality and Magnetic Stimulation Provide Relief

Researchers demonstrated promising results for PTSD treatment in military veterans by combining brain stimulation with virtual reality exposure therapy. The clinical trial showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms among participants who received low electrical current brain stimulation during virtual reality sessions designed to simulate warzone experiences.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 14, 2023·5 min read

Phantom Touch: VR Reveals New Insights in Human Perception

Researchers discovered a 'phantom touch illusion' in virtual reality (VR), where users feel sensations without physical contact. This study, involving 36 volunteers, demonstrated that participants experienced a tingling sensation when virtually touching their bodies.

This shows a woman in VR goggles in a frosty forest.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 23, 2023·3 min read

Virtual Reality Generates Cold Sensations Without Real Temperature Shifts

Researchers have created a groundbreaking non-contact technology to simulate cold sensations in virtual reality, maintaining consistent skin temperatures. By combining cold airflow and light, they induce cold sensations without actual temperature shifts.

This shows a woman in VR glasses surrounded by candy.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 28, 2023·8 min read

Watch to Eat Less: VR Videos Curb Candy Cravings

Researchers find that watching immersive videos of candy consumption can significantly reduce one's craving for sweets. Participants who viewed the video 30 times ate an average of a third less candy compared to the control group.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·August 24, 2023·4 min read

Revolutionizing Autism Research in Virtual Reality

Autism, an inherently unique and multi-faceted condition, lacks a standardized diagnostic approach, making treatment and research challenges. A new study highlights the potential of mouse models in autism research, offering insights into molecular and physiological mechanisms.

This shows a woman in VR surrounded by roses.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 6, 2023·5 min read

Wireless Olfactory Feedback System Enhances VR Experiences

Researchers developed a novel, wireless, skin-interfaced olfactory feedback system capable of releasing various odours. This technology integrates scents into virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to provide a more immersive user experience.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·May 1, 2023·4 min read

Cracking the Code of VR Sickness: Why Some Experience Motion Sickness While Gaming and Others Don’t

The way our senses adjust while playing virtual reality (VR) games affects the severity of cybersickness experienced. Researchers measured how participants perceived the orientation of vertical lines before and after playing two VR games, one high-intensity, and one low-intensity. They found that those who experienced less sickness were more likely to have the largest change in the subjective visual vertical following exposure to VR. The findings could be useful for VR designers and developers in creating more comfortable and enjoyable experiences.

Autism Featured

·March 28, 2023·7 min read

Using Virtual Reality to Investigate Autism’s Neural Network Dynamics

Combining novel virtual reality imaging with machine learning, researchers were able to accurately detect mouse models of ASD compared to wild-type mice based on cortical functional network dynamics while the animal was in motion.