Explore Research Laboratories in Virtual Reality

Have you wondered what a working laboratory looks like and who might work in these spaces? Now you can visit a university research laboratory and a start-up biotechnology company. Each tour includes places that cover the science, instruments, and tools used in a laboratory. You can also learn about the people who work in these spaces.

There are three ways to view each lab tour. You can use a computer and click and drag to look around. You can also use your smart phone like an iPhone or Android with their gyroscope enabled function to look into each lab. In this mode you can move the phone around as you to look around the lab. Finally, if you have Virtual Reality (VR) goggles like Google Cardboard, you can immerse yourself into each tour. Be sure to stand up and turn and look around to view all of the space.

We are just getting started, so bookmark this page so you can find your way back to explore more tours as they are released. We also welcome your feedback and suggestions.

How to explore the virtual laboratories

On a computer, smart phone, or tablet you can click or touch the Location Icon to move to the new area. When using goggles, you place the pointer on top of the Location Icon to move to a new area. Below are the other icons you will find in the different tours. Review the list below before you jump into these virtual worlds.

Biologist Notebook

 When you explore these different laboratories, you will want to take notes of what you see and learn. You can use your own notebook, or download our custom designed Biologist Notebook that can be used to document your travels and discoveries.

University Laboratory VR 360

Visit Arvind Varsani's virus laboratory at Arizona State University. See where cutting edge science starts and who is involved.

As you explore this laboratory, take notes on the types of equipment and other interesting things you find. Here are a few questions to get you started.

• What is something important to do when you're doing research?
• What are some different ways that you can research the same subject?
• Can you find the tardigrade, microcentrifuge tubes, gel, and penguin?
• Are any of the researchers in lab also working on earning a degree?

OncoMyx Biotechology Company VR 360

What does it look like inside a company that is developing a drug to treat cancer? Here is an opportunity to peek inside the workings of a start-up company that is developing a new drug treatment for cancer.

As you explore this laboratory, take notes on the types of equipment and studies you observe. Here are a few questions to get you started.

• What is something important to do when you are in a research lab?
• How many different ways are these researchers using to observe what is happening in cells?
• Did you find the cell counter, the cold room, the glowing cells, and the company's CEO?
• Did everyone in the lab need a graduate degree to be hired?
• What was the most interesting career you learned about?

Credits:

Laboratory 360 images by CJ Kazilek. Locations include Arizona State University Biodesign and Oncomyx Theraputics. Audio recording at locations by CJ Kazilek.