Browsing by Author "Lee, Ryan M."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The Giant Walkthrough Gut: Virtual Reality Simulation of the Digestive System
    (2018-09-12) Lee, Ryan M.; Jacob, Christian
    The Giant Walkthrough Gut is an immersive 3D computer model that utilizes virtual reality (VR) technology to fully explore and learn about the digestive system. The Giant Walkthrough Gut was developed using Unreal Engine by Epic Games, allowing for two different versions of visualization: a video and an exploratory program designed for both VR and desktop monitors. Traditionally, human anatomy and body systems have been taught with the use of 2D illustrations, text, and verbal instruction. Though spatial and auditory learners benefit from this convention, there can be a disconnect to the material for those who are kinesthetic learners. By providing a game-like experience, the Giant Walkthrough Gut has elements that can simplify the complex processes of the digestive system, having the potential to be a powerful and comprehensive tool that could supersede existing teaching methods.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The Mind-Gut Connection: A virtual reality education program on the relationship between the digestive system, nervous system, and microbiome.
    (2019-11-26) Lee, Ryan M.; Jacob, Christian; Sharkey, Keith A.
    The Mind-Gut Connection is a virtual reality education application on the relationship between the digestive system, nervous system, and microbiome. Together, these systems form the gut-brain axis and communicate with one another to carry out physiological processes associated with digestion. By illustrating this complex medical topic in a virtual reality environment, we have addressed the lack of accurate or comprehensive depictions of the gut-brain axis. Additionally, the use of virtual reality in education may allow for a broader audience to be exposed to this information. Learning about digestion in relation to the gut-brain axis is beneficial for everyone because of the impact our diets and lifestyles have on our physical and mental health. The use of this virtual reality program has the potential to better engage and inform the general public so that they are more aware of how our different body systems are interconnected. Not only is this program novel in addressing such a unique but important topic, it also exhibits innovation upon current virtual reality practices surrounding movement and motion sickness. The use of full-body virtual reality and a natural form of locomotion using arm swinging builds upon existing methods to improve the level of immersion and believability.