Scientists Walk Through Virtual Proteins

Computer simulations of biological and chemical entities such as proteins are nothing new. However scientists at the University of Arkansas have taken things to a completely different level.

Professor James F. Hinton of UoA has worked with visualisation company Virtaliz to create a virtual reality (VR) protein simulation called ActiveMove Virtual Reality (AMVR). AMVR creates and projects virtual reality 3d images of proteins on a huge scale. Researchers can then examine the protein structures from any angle – even from inside. It’s not quite Fantastic Voyage but it’s a virtual step in that direction.

Professor Hinton said:

Using this system, we can answer many questions about interactions. Why does a toxic protein do what it does? Does the protein form a channel? If it does, what does it look like? And how can we block it? This system can act as a guide for what to do next.

The ActiveMove Virtual Reality system works in conjunction with PyMOL, a 3D molecular viewing program. The system includes a 3D projector, special eyewear and head and hand tracking software.