Algorithmically generated music enhances VR nephron simulation.

While sonification has enjoyed much attention in VR simulation studies, music has generally been incorporated as ambiance. This is partially due to difficulties with manipulating it interactively in real-time while maintaining a sensible musicality. This paper discusses how algorithmically generated music is used to provide ambiance, characterize the visual representation of molecular particle flow, provide orientation cues to the user, and enhance recognition of chemical gradient balances in a reified model of the kidney nephron.

Reification of abstract concepts to improve comprehension using interactive virtual environments and a knowledge-based design: a renal physiology model.

Several abstract concepts in medical education are difficult to teach and comprehend. In order to address this challenge, we have been applying the approach of reification of abstract concepts using interactive virtual environments and a knowledge-based design. Reification is the process of making abstract concepts and events, beyond the realm of direct human experience, concrete and accessible to teachers and learners.

Virtual reality training improves students' knowledge structures of medical concepts.

Virtual environments can provide training that is difficult to achieve under normal circumstances. Medical students can work on high-risk cases in a realistic, time-critical environment, where students practice skills in a cognitively demanding and emotionally compelling situation. Research from cognitive science has shown that as students acquire domain expertise, their semantic organization of core domain concepts become more similar to those of an expert's.