ANN ARBOR – Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are not the same thing. There are some overlaps between AR and VR, but each field is trying to accomplish something conceptually different. Concordia nursing students, for example, can build their bedside manner as well as their skillset using AR and VR. AR and VR evokes a sense of wonder and critical thinking, while allowing students to be immersed in the chosen content. AdHands-on learning with AR and VR at ConcordiaAre you thinking about a career in nursing or something healthcare related?

Concordia University Ann Arbor prides itself on incorporating advanced technologies in classes.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. SpellBound, an Ann Arbor-based augmented reality company, has received a $1.8 million fast track grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to study opioid use in pediatric cancer patients. The study will measure the effects of SpellBounds augmented reality scavenger hunt, ARISE, on the length of hospital stay and opioid use by pediatric cancer patients after surgery. She stated that studies have found relationships between movement, recovery milestones and a reduction of overall pain but getting pediatric patients to move is a challenge for clinicians. The fast track grant allows SpellBound to accelerate the study by combining phase 1 and phase 2 trials to test feasibility and perform clinical trials. York added that the research grant will allow SpellBound to provide support resources for research hospitals in the study, hire more engineers and evolve ARISE.

This is a new use of augmented reality we hadnt heard of: Nike will soon use AR in its app with the goal of selling people shoes that actually fit. For some people, its hard to buy shoes -- especially online. It seems as though Nike is aware of these issues, and the company likely knows its even harder to buy shoes virtually -- so with that in mind: AR to the rescue, it seems. Photo provided by NikeStarting in July, the feature, called Nike Fit, will be available in the Nike app for those in the United States. Also worth mentioning, the feature isnt limited to the app: Nike stores will soon use this technology as well, published reports say.