Imagine if we can take a walk inside the virtual replica of our own body cells. Things like this have come true, thanks to the innovative technology developed at the University of New South Wales.
Associate Professor, John McGhee runs the 3D Visualization Aesthetic Laboratory - one of the sites where this technology is being developed.
"We took data from patient PET scans to visualize the data," he said.
By using 3D gaming technology, they transform the data into an interactive virtual reality (VR) landscape.
"You're no longer just looking at something on the screen, but you can see things in a completely immersive way with headsets, so it looks like you're in a cell walking around," he says.
"This will help the process of scientific discovery, because we can see how cells behave in ways we previously could not have."
And in the future, cancer patients can see a virtual version of themselves, and keep track of where drug treatments end up in their bodies. Professor Maria Kavallaris of the Children's Cancer Institute is part of the project.
"You can imagine that you might go to a doctor and take a trip on your body, by being able to visualize where the disease is and what potential treatment options (that can be done)," he said.
"It will empower patients to make their treatment decisions."
Professor McGhee says that patients can then show their family and friends what is happening to them.
"I think this is a very good time," he said.
It's like a virtual field trip
This technology allows scientists to collaborate with each other in an entirely new way.
Scientists can work with colleagues abroad on medical breakthroughs, exploring and commenting on the same virtual landscape at the same time.
"This approach is almost like a virtual field trip," said Professor McGhee.
Professor Maria Kavallaris admitted in awe as she tried virtual reality technology (VR).
"The first time I wore the VR glasses, I was completely fascinated, almost like a science fiction type experience," he said.
The research is a collaboration with the ARC Center of Excellence in Bio-Nano Convergence Science and Technology.
Experts say this technology has important applications to train future scientists.
This technology has been tested on Monash University Pharmacy students studying cancer, to see if this technology can improve their understanding.
"We are now getting the data shown by putting headsets and running in Virtual Reality (VR), we have seen significant improvements in their exam results, compared to other media using traditional media," said Professor McGhee.
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