Avatar Zoo - teaching animal anatomy using virtual reality

02:403 years ago

Animals are essential to train the next generation of scientists understand diseases and develop treatments for humans as well as animals. Therefore, animals are used for educational purposes. Technologies such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality can be employed to reduce the number of animals in the future. Prof. Dr. Daniela Salvatori is working on the development of 'Avatar Zoo' together with UMCU and IT. Live animals are replaced by holographic 3D in this flexible platform. With these holograms one is able to study the anatomical, physiological and pathological systems and processes of all kinds of animals.

Avatar Zoo won the Venture Challenge 2021 for the development of virtual reality models that can be used for anatomy classes and practical training.

Innovation examples Education Innovation

Related

New

AI agents for safer science: How AI is Changing Chemical Risk Assessment

Innovation examples

HealthToxicologyIn silico

AI agents for safer science: How AI is Changing Chemical Risk Assessment

This video introduces a novel approach to chemical safety, where intelligent digital agents guided by large language models support scientists in making faster, more transparent decisions. By automating complex workflows and integrating tools like the OECD QSAR Toolbox, these agentic systems help prioritise research, reduce reliance on animal testing, and pave the way for safer, more sustainable innovation.

02:5624 hours ago

User Research in developing the virtual human platform

Innovation examples

ToxicologyPolicy

User Research in developing the virtual human platform

Digital tools can support the phasing out of animal-based tests and data in chemical risk assessment. This is one of the core promises of the Virtual Human Platform. The potential contribution of digitalization is linked to the acceptance and adoption of tools, methods, and data by stakeholders in several societal sectors. To facilitate the integration of stakeholders in the configuration of digital tools, Dr. Isaac Ortega Alvarado and colleagues gather insights from risk assessors in their role as users. Risk assessors are the ones who actualize chemical risk assessment and its standards through their practices. With this perspective, this research contributes to understanding the development and implementation of digital tools as embedded in social processes of construction and reception.

01:1522 days ago

Pro tips for making a video about your research

Pro tips for making a video about your research

Need some pro-tips to make your next video on animal-free innovations? Aniek and Victoria got some for you! In this video, they share why you should want to make a video about your research, tips about the content and format of an attractive video, and how to best share your video.

03:2522 days ago

NXTGEN Hightech Biomed

Projects and initiatives

HealthInnovationIn vitroOrgan-on-Chip

NXTGEN Hightech Biomed

The Netherlands has strong academic knowledge in areas like Lab-on-Chip, Organ-on-Chip, artificial organs, and cell production technology. However, turning this knowledge into actual products is challenging due to the need for collaboration between different technological and biological specialists. The NXTGEN Hightech program (https://nxtgenhightech.nl/en/biomed/) addresses this by creating a collaborative environment where companies from various fields work together. This approach aims to transform academic insights into innovative products, benefiting both the industry and society.

02:1723 days ago