Exploring MolecularWebXR: A New Era in Virtual Science Learning
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MolecularWebXR is an innovative platform that revolutionizes the way we engage with chemistry and structural biology through immersive, multiuser experiences. Accessible on any modern device, from high-end VR headsets to smartphones and computers, this web-based tool facilitates seamless interaction among users and with virtual objects within a dedicated VR environment. You can explore different thematic rooms filled with preset educational content or create your own materials for scientific discussions. Join the waitlist to be notified of its launch!
Welcome to the Future of Science Education
Launching soon, MolecularWebXR is a fully web-based platform designed for immersive education and collaborative discussions in chemistry and structural biology. Built around a multiuser system and adhering to WebXR standards, it ensures broad accessibility across various devices.
- For high-end VR headsets: Users can manipulate objects naturally using hand gestures, zoom in and out, point at items, and navigate freely within the virtual environment. Avatars representing users in VR are visible to others in the session.
- For smartphones: Users can navigate the VR environment using a joystick, adjust their viewing angle with touch controls, and enhance their experience with cardboard VR goggles.
While smartphones currently lack hand tracking capabilities, users can still engage in audio and visual interactions. However, they can only achieve 360-degree views without spatial movement, which is only possible with the joystick.
- For tablets, laptops, and other computers: Users can move around the virtual scenes using arrow keys or mouse gestures, enabling them to communicate with and observe VR participants.
This inclusive approach ensures that MolecularWebXR caters to everyone, regardless of their device.
Understanding MolecularWebXR
MolecularWebXR features multiple rooms filled with educational content designed in collaboration with university educators, focusing on key concepts in chemistry and structural biology. The initial release includes ready-to-use materials covering material structures, molecular symmetry, isomerism in organic compounds, and various biological macromolecules through cryo-electron tomography.
Additionally, users can create custom content using PDB2AR, a tool that facilitates the development of VR objects.
MolecularWebXR is open to suggestions from educators and science communicators for new room concepts. Collaboration is encouraged to bring fresh ideas to life.
How to Use MolecularWebXR
When initiating a session, the creator assumes the Admin role and receives codes to invite participants, categorized as either Speakers, who can actively engage in VR, or Attendees, who observe but cannot interact.
It's recommended to set up sessions on computers or large tablets for optimal control access. Admins can select preset rooms or empty spaces to populate with molecular structures.
Speakers in VR can manipulate molecules using hand gestures or handheld controllers, allowing for comparisons between different molecular forms.
For those wishing to try MolecularWebXR without commitment, the "Give it a try" option allows instant access to a preset session with sample materials.
Running Multiuser Sessions
For in-person VR sessions, Admins should disable audio and ensure that all users set up their safe spaces identically. This has allowed for up to eight users to participate in the same VR environment without issues.
When connecting users over the internet, no special setup is required, and audio features should function correctly.
About the Creators
MolecularWebXR was developed by Fabio Cortés Rodríguez, under the guidance of Luciano A. Abriata at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), supported by contributions from various educators and researchers. The project was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Hasler Stiftung.
Fabio Cortés Rodríguez is a passionate software engineer specializing in augmented and virtual reality, currently serving as a WebXR engineer at EPFL.
Luciano A. Abriata is a biotechnologist with a PhD in chemistry, focusing on biological systems and innovative technologies for education and work.
License and Access
Currently, the website is free to use without registration, with sessions limited to 10-15 minutes to manage server load. For longer or customized sessions, contact us via email.
The icons used on the site were sourced from flaticon.com and iconscout.com, while the logo consists of free, open icons from the same authors.
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