[An interesting new study of the potential of virtual reality and presence to create a sense of awe and connection is described in this researcher-authored, link-filled story in The Conversation; see the original version for two more images and a 4:48 minute video. –Matthew] Virtual reality can combat isolation with awe and empathy — on Earth and in space By Katerina Stepanova, PhD Candidate and Lecturer in Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University October 31, 2021 It takes seven months to get to Mars in an efficiently engineered spaceship, covering the distance of 480 million kilometres. On this journey,…

[Frontiers reports on a new effort to expand opportunities for the public to use presence-evoking technologies to learn about and enable them to contribute to scientific discoveries. The free, open-access virtual reality visualization tool for single cell data requires only very inexpensive equipment and no advanced training. In addition to the Frontiers in Genetics article cited, see a story in Medium for more details and a video trailer (also available on YouTube along with a video tutorial). –Matthew] For less than $10, anyone can now get up close and explore single cells in VR A team of scientists has developed…

[KARE11 TV in Minneapolis-St. Paul reports on a documentary series that uses 360-degree footage of the protests following the death of George Floyd to create a unique experience of the events. See the original story for a 1:55 minute video and follow links in the story to related resources including videos about the In Protest series and a variety of other virtual reality experiences. Here’s an excerpt from the Oculus blog description (the first link below): “IN PROTEST examines the current state of social activism and reform through 360° interviews, spatial audio, and other immersive technologies. Volume 1 in the…

[In this interview from News Medical, a pediatric surgeon describes new research that demonstrates the effectiveness of a social companion telepresence robot for providing emotional support to young patients. See the original version for two more images and a 2:35 minute video; for more information see the links at the end of the story below. –Matthew] [Image: Credit: UCLA Health] Improving children’s hospital experiences using a social robot Dr. Justin Wagner, Pediatric Surgeon, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital Interview conducted by Emily Henderson, B.Sc. October 20, 2021 In this interview, News-Medical speaks to Dr. Justin Wagner about Robin, the social companion…

[Here’s a short first-person report from Inc. in which an experienced public speaker describes their first experience (including elements of presence) giving a keynote talk in virtual reality. –Matthew] I Gave a Keynote in Virtual Reality. Here’s What I Learned Live, onstage is the best, but this is better than a regular videoconference. For sure. By Suzanne Lucas, Freelance Writer October 25, 2021 Public speaking is my favorite part of my job, and the pandemic basically destroyed that, so when JobCon 2021 asked me to keynote its virtual event, I jumped at the chance. I figured it would be via…

[The New York Times Magazine interviewed seven people involved in different aspects of remote teaching during the pandemic. Many of them note the drawbacks of not being with students in person, but indirectly suggesting the power (and risks) of presence, the second person featured in the story describes how she was able to teach her young students about literature via Zoom by sharing with them the “rawness and vulnerability” of a very difficult personal experience in a way that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible.  –Matthew] [Image: Illustration by Sam Kerr] 7 True Stories From Virtual School Teachers, administrators and service providers…