Using Emerging Technologies such as Virtual Reality and the World Wide Web to Contribute to a Richer Understanding of the Brain

The way by which people interact with computers-computer interface technology-is undergoing rapid change. Computer input and output initially consisted of punch cards and typed correspondence. Greater spontaneity was afforded by the display and interaction with text on a computer screen. During the past 10 years, the increasing acceptance of the mouse and the XeroxPARC 2D interface has allowed the use of spatial navigation through the computer’s operating system, as well as providing greater standardization for software applications. With the advent of three-dimensional hardware acceleration, the computer’s interface and applications now allow three-dimensional navigation and interaction with three-dimensional worlds. Furthermore, the explosive growth of the Internet is providing a better means of sharing and distributing information between machines, and ultimately the virtual environments that reside in those machines. Improvement in computer interface technology has immense implications for neuroscience research. Computers, when used for quantitative and/or qualitative analysis, can aid understanding of the structure and function of the brain. However, we must also be cognizant of the fact that the strengths and weaknesses of the computer as an analytical tool can change the focus of our investigations. Sir William Osler stated, “When your only tool is a hammer, you treat everything as a nail.” Because the computer is changing so quickly, recognizing its strengths and knowing its limitations, as well as identifying areas of rapid advancement will be important. So rather than limiting our investigations, as would happen with the metaphorical hammer, we need to match the computer’s capabilities with our investigative and scientific reporting needs.