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An accessible, open‐source mobile application for macromolecular visualization using augmented reality
Author(s) -
Lee Ning Yuan,
TuckerKellogg Greg
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
biochemistry and molecular biology education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1539-3429
pISSN - 1470-8175
DOI - 10.1002/bmb.21335
Subject(s) - visualization , augmented reality , computer science , rendering (computer graphics) , android (operating system) , mobile device , computer graphics (images) , multimedia , layperson , human–computer interaction , world wide web , artificial intelligence , political science , law , operating system
Understanding macromolecular structures is essential for biology education. Augmented reality (AR) applications have shown promise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, but are not widely used for protein visualization. While there are some tools for AR protein visualization, none of them are accessible to the layperson who possesses neither specialized AR hardware nor the technical skill to comfortably navigate three‐dimensional (3D) rendering and file conversions. Here, we describe Palantir , an open source mobile Android application easily installable on compatible devices from the Google Play Store. Palantir does not require specialized hardware, printed image, manual 3D rendering, or file format conversion. Palantir makes AR macromolecular visualization accessible to anyone with a compatible mobile device, and we hope it finds widespread application in STEM education.