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TactViz: A VMD Plugin for Tactile Visualization of Protein Structures

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  • Author(s): Shaw, Olivia R.; Hadden-Perilla, Jodi A.
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities. 2020 23(1).
  • Publication Date:
    2020
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      RIT Scholar Works. The Wallace Library A-500, 90 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623. Tel: 585-475-7934; e-mail: ritscholarworks@rit.edu; Web site: http://scholarworks.rit.edu/jsesd
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      8
    • Sponsoring Agency:
      National Science Foundation (NSF)
    • Contract Number:
      MCB2027096
      ACI1548562
      CHE1560325
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Visualization; Biochemistry; Molecular Structure; Students with Disabilities; Undergraduate Students; Blindness; Computer Software; Assistive Technology; Tactual Perception; STEM Education; Inclusion; Scientific Research; Accessibility (for Disabled)
    • ISSN:
      1940-9923
    • Abstract:
      Scientific disciplines spanning biology, biochemistry, and biophysics involve the study of proteins and their functions. Visualization of protein structures represents a barrier to education and research in these disciplines for students who are blind or visually impaired. Here, we present a software plugin for readily producing variable-height tactile graphics of proteins using the free biomolecular visualization software Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) and protein structure data that is publicly available through the Protein Data Bank. Our method also supports interactive tactile visualization of proteins with VMD on electronic refreshable tactile display devices. Employing our method in an academic laboratory has enabled an undergraduate student who is blind to carry out research alongside her sighted peers. By making the study of protein structures accessible to students who are blind or visually impaired, we aim to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM education and research.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2020
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1267674