Funding

VR Brain Exploration was developed by Clinical Tools, Inc (CTI) with funding from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (Grant #R4DK108608). We gratefully acknowledge this support, which was the sole funding source for this project’s development.

Purpose

Brain research is yielding novel insights and a detailed understanding of brain circuitry and neurochemistry. Students in medical, psychological, and biological disciplines need an understanding of neurobiology and recent advances to develop their understanding of the brain’s anatomy, functioning, and disease states. However, developing a mental map of the brain’s complex network of structures and neural pathways is challenging. A more immersive learning environment is needed.

Impact

Our 3D brain model provides an immersive and interactive experience in VR that helps students develop a robust understanding of the complex spatial relations, connections, and neurochemistry of the brain. The rendering can be navigated freely, which allows the user to examine the regions and structures of the brain individually. Labels can be enabled in order to learn the names of anatomical structures to gain a deeper understanding of the structures and their positions in this complex organ. Alternatively, the learner can follow lessons in which they learn brain structures involved in particular functions, as well as connections between those structures and the neurotransmitters involved.

No Industry Support

All materials on this website were developed in an industry-fund-free environment. No industry funding was used to create this website or simulation experience.

Dissemination

Clinical Tools, and its gaming division Health Impact Studio, strives to share knowledge gained through the testing and use of its products. You can see our latest conference presentations, as well as our published research articles, at the Health Impact Studio site.

Future Plans

We envision that VR Brain Exploration will be sold as a digital therapeutic, targeting providers who want to utilize the product as an educational tool in conjunction with another intervention (e.g., addiction treatment, obesity treatment with centrally-acting medications, etc). This source of revenue will support any ongoing work needed to refine the product and allow free use for the public through their providers. Future expansion for other populations is also possible (e.g., a neuroscientist who wants to show a new pathway they are investigating, a biology teacher who wants to teach neuroanatomy and brain pathways in a more efficient way, etc.) We look forward to developing VR Brain Exploration to expand knowledge of the brain and its functions for everyone.

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