Virtual Reality Augmented Hands-on Cryo-EM Training

项目摘要 低温电子显微镜的出现使结构生物学发生了革命性的变化，为结构生物学的研究提供了有力的手段 自然环境中的生物标本。然而，阻碍低温EM更广泛使用的一个主要瓶颈是 缺乏训练有素的专业人员，能够熟练地操作仪器。低温EM很复杂，而且 除了广泛的生物物理理论背景外，还涉及多个设备的操作 需要严格的程序以及准确的手眼协调，因为操作中的错误可能会造成损害 昂贵的仪器。当前用户培训的最佳实践包括重复的现场实践练习 以及由专家一对一监督的培训。对仪器使用和工作人员协助的高需求 因为CryoEM数据收集往往限制了新的CryoEM用户所需的实践培训机会。这个 本项目的目标是开发一个虚拟现实(VR)增强交互培训系统CryoVR，以提供 虚拟动手、参与性和自定进度的CryoEM培训，让新手用户熟悉操作 程序，从而减少了对昂贵的、按需的CryoEM的一对一培训和现场实践的需要 设备。此外，我们将此培训平台的好处视为对以下用户的审查练习 在两次仪器使用之间经历了很长一段时间。我们追求这一目标有三个目标：目标1)扩张 目前的CryoVR项目将覆盖更广泛的单粒子低温电磁、低温电子等仪器 体层摄影术、低温相关光显微镜和电子显微镜。这将满足面向新的 用户使用CryoEM仪器，虚拟掌握一系列操作，执行特定的按键 从样本网格的骤降冻结到瞬变电磁运行的任务，并为返回非 专业用户。作为之前的预培训，它被设计为CryoEM教育课程的一个组成部分 实物仪器的现场动手培训；目标2)通过新的 交互式功能，如VR中嵌入的引导式多模式学习，支持实验室布局定制， 个性化定制以增强包容性和可访问性，用于安全培训的危险模拟，以及 改进手势和加强约束，以更真实地模拟身体动作；以及目标3) 传播、评估和可持续发展。我们将评估CryoVR的教学材料，他们的 通过自愿的人体受试者研究和专家访谈，评估影响和结果。我们将建立 分销渠道和可持续发展计划，以最大限度地提高CryoVR对 社区和公众。建议的方法在冷冻EM培训方面是创新的，将是有效的、高效的、 以及由于现代虚拟现实技术和教育理论的适用性而参与其中。这个项目是 显著，因为它将极大地减少冷冻EM培训的时间、成本和风险，这反过来又将导致 设施培训新用户的能力。低成本的VR硬件和易于使用的CryoVR软件将 使国家和国际范围内的所有冷冻EM设施及其用户受益。

Project Summary Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) revolutionized structural biology, providing a powerful method to study biological specimens in their native environment. However, a major bottleneck hindering the wider use of cryoEM is the lack of trained professionals capable of proficiently operating the instruments. CryoEM is complex and involves, in addition to an extensive biophysical theoretical background, operation of multiple devices that requires strict procedures, as well as accurate hand-eye coordination as mistakes in operation can damage expensive instrumentation. Current best-practices for user training involve repeated on-site hands-on practice and training with one-on-one supervision by experts. The high demand for instrument usage and staff assistance for cryoEM data collection often limits the opportunities for hands-on training needed by new cryoEM users. The goal of this project is to develop a virtual reality (VR) augmented interactive training system, CryoVR, to provide virtual hands-on, engaging, and self-paced cryoEM training to familiarize novice users with operational procedures, thereby reducing the need for one-on-one training and on-site practice on costly, in-demand cryoEM devices. Additionally, we see the benefit of this training platform as a review exercise for users who may have gone through long periods between instrument usage. We pursue this goal with three aims: Aim 1) Expanding the current CryoVR project to cover a wider range of instruments in single particle cryoEM, cryo-electron tomography, and cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy. This will address the need for orienting new users to cryoEM instruments, developing virtual mastery over a sequence of operations to perform specific key tasks from plunge-freezing of sample grids to TEM operation, and providing sufficient review for returning non- expert users. It is designed to be an integrated part of the cryoEM education curriculum as a pre-training before onsite hands-on training on the physical instruments; Aim 2) Improving users’ learning experience through new interactive features, such as guided, multimodal learning embedded in VR, enabling lab layout customization, personalized customization to enhance inclusion and accessibility, hazard simulation for safety training, and refining hand-gestures and reinforcing constraints for more faithful simulation of the physical actions; and Aim 3) Dissemination, evaluation, and sustainable development. We will evaluate CryoVR’s instructional materials, their impact, and outcomes through voluntary human subject studies and expert interviews. We will establish distribution channels and sustainable development plans to maximize the long-term impact of CryoVR on the community and public. The proposed approach is innovative in cryoEM training and will be effective, efficient, and engaging due to the applicability of modern VR technologies and education theories. This project is significant as it will greatly reduce the time, cost, and risk of cryoEM training, which in turn will lead to increased capacity for facilities to train new users. The low-cost VR hardware and easily accessible CryoVR software will benefit all cryoEM facilities and their users on a national and international scale.