Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Expanding the Horizons of Interactive Scientific Visualization: A New Approach with Point Clouds

In my relentless pursuit to make scientific visualization not only more accessible but also far more comprehensive, I've decided to take a bold leap by employing a rather unconventional technology for molecular systems: point clouds. Borrowing a page from the world of photogrammetry, this technique offers a unique and powerful way to immerse ourselves in the intricate complexities of molecular structures.

 https://sars-cov-2.scientific-visualization.org

 

The beauty of point clouds lies in their simplicity and adaptability. By leveraging existing technical solutions, I've managed to adapt this technology to create an immersive exploration environment for complex molecular systems. Imagine diving into the microscopic world, not just observing but truly experiencing it in a way that's never been done before.

 


For a groundbreaking example, follow this link on your Meta Quest browser. Click on the VR button in the top left corner, and prepare to be amazed as you explore the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a manner that will redefine your understanding of molecular visualization.

This model (generated with the Blue Brain BioExplorer) was a pivotal part of a project I had the privilege to contribute to at EPFL during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A machine reveals how glucose helps the SARS-CoV-2 virus

The point cloud engine is Potree: https://github.com/potree/potree