About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

New Virtual Finger Enables Scientists to Navigate and Analyze Complex 3D Images

by Sheela Philomena on July 13, 2014 at 1:07 PM
 New Virtual Finger Enables Scientists to Navigate and Analyze Complex 3D Images

A new way to digitally navigate three-dimensional images has been identified by scientists. The new technology, called Virtual Finger, allows scientists to move through digital images of small structures like neurons and synapses using the flat surface of their computer screens. Virtual Finger's unique technology makes 3D imaging studies orders of magnitude more efficient, saving time, money and resources at an unprecedented level across many areas of experimental biology. The software and its applications are profiled in this week's issue of the journal Nature Communications.

Most other image analysis software works by dividing a three-dimensional image into a series of thin slices, each of which can be viewed like a flat image on a computer screen. To study three-dimensional structures, scientists sift through the slices one at a time: a technique that is increasingly challenging with the advent of big data. "Looking through 3D image data one flat slice at a time is simply not efficient, especially when we are dealing with terabytes of data," explains Hanchuan Peng, Associate Investigator at the Allen Institute for Brain Science.

Advertisement

"This is similar to looking through a glass window and seeing objects outside, but not being able to manipulate them because of the physical barrier." In sharp contrast, Virtual Finger allows scientists to digitally reach into three-dimensional images of small objects like single cells to access the information they need much more quickly and intuitively. "When you move your cursor along the flat screen of your computer, our software recognizes whether you are pointing to an object that is near, far, or somewhere in between, and allows you to analyze it in depth without having to sift through many two-dimensional images to reach it," explains Peng. Scientists at the Allen Institute are already using Virtual Finger to improve their detection of spikes from individual cells, and to better model the morphological structures of neurons.

But Virtual Finger promises to be a game-changer for many biological experiments and methods of data analysis, even beyond neuroscience. In their Nature Communications article, the collaborative group of scientists describes how the technology has already been applied to perform three-dimensional microsurgery in order to knock out single cells, study the developing lung, and create a map of all the neural connections in the fly brain. "Using Virtual Finger could make data collection and analysis ten to 100 times faster, depending on the experiment," says Peng. "The software allows us to navigate large amounts of biological data in the same way that Google Earth allows you to navigate the world. It truly is a revolutionary technology for many different applications within biological science," says Peng. Hanchuan Peng began developing Virtual Finger while at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus and continued development at the Allen Institute for Brain Science.
Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Medical Gadgets

Revolutionary Artificial Nose Offers Precision Food Spoilage Detection
Our artificial olfactory system combines sensing and processing efficiently, mirroring the biological olfactory system's function for energy and space savings.
IIT Delhi Unveils Exoskeleton Device for Paralyzed Stroke Patients
A portable, lightweight, and affordable exoskeleton designed for stroke patients promises expanded accessibility, particularly in areas with limited resources.
Tap on Your Wrist Makes Navigation Easy: Thanks to a Light Wearable Device
A textile-based wearable device that 'taps' a user's wrist with pressurized air, silently guides the person finding their way to their destination.
New Compact Device Rapidly Detects Infection in Wounds
A device controlled through a mobile app, utilizing heat signatures and bacterial fluorescence, helps detect and address infections in wounds.
Preoperative Anxiety Reduction Through Augmented Reality Rehearsals
An Augmented Reality (AR) walkthrough before the surgery may be a useful tool for reducing preoperative anxiety in patients, a new research has revealed.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

New Virtual Finger Enables Scientists to Navigate and Analyze Complex 3D Images Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests