Life-3D: A New Tool for Interactive Visualisation of 3D Molecular Interaction

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Life-3D: A New Tool for Interactive Visualisation of 3D Molecular InteractionsThe last 20 years have seen a revolution in our understanding of processes that occur within living cells. Exciting biomedical advances are continually being made in our understanding of the structure and function of the tiny biological machines inside cells that are responsible for life. Discoveries about these molecules – what they look like, how they work, how they can go wrong - and cause diseases like cancer or diabetes – continue to drive important advances across the UK Life Sciences sector.Our project - Life-3D - proposes a new way for university students to explore and visualise the nanoworld of molecules, genes and cells. Using state-of-the-art object recognition, 3D printing and augmented reality, our aim is to produce life-size high-resolution physical models of molecules that bioscience students can easily manipulate, take-apart and explore in their hands. By using real-time object-tracking technology, an image of the physical model they are holding will be displayed on a computer screen. As they move the physical model, the virtual model moves too, triggering rich and relevant teaching material that shows more about where the molecule is found in a cell, what its function is, and how its role changes in health or disease.The aim of this project is to provide a step-change in student engagement, knowledge and attainment in molecular biology teaching, bringing molecules to life in a completely new way.