'V-frog' virtual-reality frog dissection software offers first true physical simulation

The Humane Society of the United States, as well as educators, legislators, students and others, support the realization that the use of virtual-reality frog dissection means no exposure to chemicals and potentially dangerous instruments, no specimen or ecosystem harm and no specimen disintegration.

“This is very much a sign of the times,” declares Chugh, noting that at least 25 states have laws or ordinances mandating that, if dissection is part of a school’s curriculum, students must have an alternative to dissection. “It’s a mainstream reality.”

Additionally, the use of V-Frog means students are not constrained to a lab environment. The state-of-the-art product complies with both inquiry and life science standards. Instructors can also model a dissection, observable by the entire class, using a projector. This teaching and learning experience can be conveniently repeated as often as desired.

V-Frog passed an important milestone when California approved V-Frog for legal and social compliance as per their State board of Education guidelines. It is also in the final stages of a similar review in New York State. According to Chugh, V-Frog’s simulated dissection is more economical than real dissection due to its one-time license cost versus annual replacement of real frogs, dissection supplies and chemicals.

Tactus Technologies received a Small Business development grant from the Institute of Educational Services, a division of the U.S. Dept. of Education, for the development of V-Frog, which has a patent pending. Others involved in research and development of V-Frog -- which drew upon some 120 sources in its overall production -- include Kesh Kesavadas, Ph.D., chief technology officer for Tactus Technologies; James Mayrose, Ph.D., chief executive officer, and James Lalley, Ph.D., director of educational products. Kesavadas is director of UB’s Virtual Reality Lab and an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Additional information is available at http://www.vfrog.net, or by calling (716) 206-8463.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system that is its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB’s more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs.

Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.