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The University of Calgary has opened the first Java 3D technology-enabled research "Cave" in the world, which will allow scientists to build virtual three-dimensional models of biological systems, including cells, tissues and entire organisms.
Called the Sun Center of Excellence for Visual Genomics, the bioinformatics facility puts its scientists at least two years ahead of the pack in research capabilities, the university said. Christoph Sensen, PhD, professor, biochemistry and molecular biology at the University, opened the doors to the centre that will benefit students, industry collaborators and scientists studying a broad range of diseases from cancer to lupus.
According to the University, the centre features a "fully immersive" walk-in display environment, with four projection walls. Scientists in the 10-by-10 foot "Cave" will wear 3D glasses through which they will see a 270 degree projection of the tiny cells and components that make up the human body.
"These computer models allow scientists to step into a virtual, 3D human body," says Sensen. "This allows us a much more intricate understanding of human diseases and complex biological systems, thereby accelerating the pace of life-saving research and reducing the development time for new drugs."
Total investment into the Sun Center of Excellence for Visual Genomics to date is more than CAN6 million. Funding partners include Sun Microsystems, Fakespace Inc., Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Alberta Science and Research Authority, the Alberta Network for Proteomics Innovation, Genome Prairie and the University of Calgary.
Bioinformatics is an emerging research field which organises and maps the complex information used in life-sciences research -- this involves various layers of information including the human genome sequence, the structure of cells, and the composition of proteins and DNA.
For more information visit http://www.ucalgary.ca
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