[From The Scientist, which features a linked a photo gallery that can be found here; for more of Danny Quirk’s art find him on MEDinART, Behance and Facebook] Dissection via Paintbrush An artist uses latex body paint to bring anatomical structures to life By Tracy Vence | October 31, 2013 Getting to know the complex anatomical structures that make up the human body can be both fascinating and frightening. The thought of examining cadavers at close range is enough to send some potential anatomists running. Even for the non-squeamish, few outside of the medical profession can access this all-important learning tool.…

[A first-person account of presence and its aftermath, from the Guardian] I swapped my world for a virtual one – and I loved what I found Oculus Rift is a brilliant piece of kit that has huge potential for the future of gaming and education Lucy Prebble The Observer, Saturday 9 November 2013 We were supposed to have virtual reality by now. We knew from fiction what it would look like, the wrongs it would bring. For ages we seemed on the edge of a self-imposed Matrix or as much creepy, blobby lovemaking as we wanted, as in The Lawnmower…

[From NPR, where the story features an audio version too] [Image: “Sandy,” a sign-waving mannequin, helps bring in customers to a Los Angeles smoke shop.] There’s A New Kind Of Sign Spinner In Town by Alex Schmidt October 16, 2013 Want to get cash for gold, buy furniture, find a tanning salon or rent an apartment? You could look those things up online, but in many cities if you just drive around, you probably won’t have to go far before you see a person spinning a giant sign that will point you in the right direction. Or maybe you’ve just…

[From Neurogadget, where you can watch the 4:56 minute video] Mind-controlled virtual reality system combines the forces of Emotiv EPOC, Oculus Rift and Razer Hydra By Neurogadget; November 7, 2013 This awesome VR project combines the forces of three sophisticated gadgets to take mind-controlled virtual reality to the next level. Use your mind to move around with the Emotiv EPOC brain-interface, look around with the Oculus Rift 3D headset, and move your hands to interact with virtual objects holding the Razer Hydra gaming controller.…

[From Motherboard, where the story features a 10:21 minute video; the discussion at the end in particular refers to presence, even though the term itself isn’t used] How to Use Virtual Reality to Replicate Psychosis By Alejandro Tauber November 5, 2013 In 2005, artist Jennifer Kanary’s sister-in-law committed suicide while suffering from a psychotic episode. This event led Kanary to develop Labyrinth Psychotica, an experience designed to give people more insight into how it feels to suffer through psychosis. Users are strapped into virtual reality gear and transported into the mind of a psychotic girl named Jamie. The whole experience…

[From Syracuse University News] Art Meets Technology in Newhouse M.I.N.D. Lab Friday, November 1, 2013   By SU News Art meets technology in pioneering ways in a new facility opening Monday, Nov. 4, in the AXA Equitable Tower, located in downtown Syracuse on the Connective Corridor. Newhouse M.I.N.D. Lab is debuting its new world-class research and design center, featuring large-format new media technology and visualization space, augmented reality, 3D computer graphics and human computer interaction. SU Arts Engage is opening co-located new community performance space, combining physical expression, such as dance and theater, with the world of 3D projection and virtual…