1st January 2010 DOHA: An innovative software that allows users to virtually dissect and explore the human anatomy is now available in Qatar. Launched in November 2009, the nation’s first Cyber Anatomy Lab at the College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q) offers its health sciences students an exceptional learning experience, a report posted on ictQatar’s web site said.
The new technology is an example of the progress Qatar is making in integrating technology into its health care and education systems. ictQatar is working with local organizations in the health and education sectors to enable them optimise their ICT usage and cater to their public needs.
The software and technology being used by CNA-Q, Cyber-Anatomy Med VR, is an innovative system for interacting with and visualizing anatomy. The system is built on advanced engineering and simulation technologies.
The optics system consists of a large screen that is rear-projected by two 3D projectors, and allows for several users to observe anatomical structures that float like a hologram in the space between them and the screen. The instructor is also able to manipulate the structures with three-dimensional remotes to make it as close to real time as possible.
The system comprises an all-in-one box system and active 3D glasses that allow the user to set up in a matter of seconds. Teachers and students can dissect and manipulate anatomical structures while fully immersed in virtual reality.
A user, for instance, can fully interact with the anatomy to “peel” muscles, follow nerve roots, examine skeletal anatomical landmarks, understand muscle insertions and origins, and look at minute details of organs.
Developed by Cyber-Anatomy Inc., the interactive anatomy software was originally created for medical education in countries where cadavers were not readily available due to religious beliefs and customs. Many teachers and doctors have been able to enhance their students’ understanding of the human body by using this software.
Cyber-Anatomy has all of the anatomical details needed to make it a powerful referene for students learning anatomy.
Christine Bolan, Dean, School of Health Sciences, CNA – Q, said, “The College of the North Atlantic-Qatar prides itself on offering our students the latest technologies so that they can gain the best learning experience using a variety of teaching methods. The Cyber Anatomy Lab makes it possible for students to learn about the human body in a comfortable and realistic setting. The system is user-friendly and the level of students’ engagement has been truly phenomenal.”