Tangible augmented interfaces for structural molecular biology

With the prevalence of structural and genomic data, molecular biology has become a human-guided, computer-assisted endeavor. The computer assists the essential human function in two ways: For exploring scientific data, it searches for and tests scientific hypotheses. For collaborating between two or more scientists, it shares knowledge and expertise. As databases grow, as structure and process models become more complex, and as software methods become more diverse, access and manipulation of digital information is increasingly a critical issue for research and collaboration in molecular biology. We have developed an augmented reality (AR) system that lets virtual 3D representations of molecular structures and properties be overlaid on autofabricated models of the molecules. While using our tangible interaction environment, users can intuitively manipulate molecular models and interactions, easily change the representation shown, and access information about molecular properties.