DIVA: Natural Navigation Inside 3D Images Using Virtual Reality.

As three-dimensional microscopy becomes commonplace in biological research, there is an increasing need for researchers to be able to view experimental image stacks in a natural three-dimensional viewing context. Through stereoscopy and motion tracking, commercial virtual reality headsets provide a solution to this important visualization challenge by allowing researchers to view volumetric objects in an entirely intuitive fashion. With this motivation, we present DIVA, a user-friendly software tool that automatically creates detailed three-dimensional reconstructions of raw experimental image stacks that are integrated in virtual reality.

Virtual Reality: Beyond Visualization.

Virtual reality (VR) has recently become an affordable technology. A wide range of options are available to access this unique visualization medium, from simple cardboard inserts for smartphones to truly advanced headsets tracked by external sensors. While it is now possible for any research team to gain access to VR, we can still question what it brings to scientific research.

Multi-scale simulations of biological systems using the OPEP coarse-grained model.

Biomolecules are complex machines that are optimized by evolution to properly fulfill or contribute to a variety of biochemical tasks in the cellular environment. Computer simulations based on quantum mechanics and atomistic force fields have been proven to be a powerful microscope for obtaining valuable insights into many biological, physical, and chemical processes. Many interesting phenomena involve, however, a time scale and a number of degrees of freedom, notably if crowding is considered, that cannot be explored at an atomistic resolution.

What Can Human-Guided Simulations Bring to RNA Folding?

Inspired by the recent success of scientific-discovery games for predicting protein tertiary and RNA secondary structures, we have developed an open software for coarse-grained RNA folding simulations, guided by human intuition. To determine the extent to which interactive simulations can accurately predict 3D RNA structures of increasing complexity and lengths (four RNAs with 22-47 nucleotides), an interactive experiment was conducted with 141 participants who had very little knowledge of nucleic acids systems and computer simulations, and had received only a brief description of the important forces stabilizing RNA structures. Their structures and full trajectories have been analyzed statistically and compared to standard replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations.

[A tool for the identification and care management of depression in the elderly].

Tools on the theme of depression have been developed as part of the MobiQual programme which aims to improve the quality of professional practices in geriatric and gerontology facilities and in patients' homes. The scientific and pedagogical content was created by multi-disciplinary and multi-professional task forces, with the participation of the relevant national federations.

[Assistance and care at home, the MobiQual Nutrition Domicile tool].

The Nutrition Domicile tool was developed as part of the MobiQual programme which aims to improve the quality of professional practices in geriatric and gerontological institutions and at home. Its pedagogical content was drawn up by a multi-disciplinary and multi-professional taskforce, with the participation of the main federations from the home care sector.

[The MobiQual program, tools for quality of care].

The MobiQual programme aims to improve the quality of care through the use of pedagogical tools focused on public health issues. Developed by the French society of geriatrics and gerontology, and initially aimed at institutions, in 2009 the programme was opened up to those who provide home care. The "Pain, Well Treatment, Home" tool was the first to be specifically aimed at this sector