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October 15, 2012 04:23 pm | Updated October 18, 2016 02:57 pm IST

CHENNAI : 10/10/2012: 3D Brain

CHENNAI : 10/10/2012: 3D Brain

Behind the announcements of the Nobel prizes are a host of reasons why each of the winners was selected. More often than not, they are reasons pointing at the emergence of their fields’ practical significance. Keeping this in mind, let’s look at three apps that bring these fields to life for students.

3D Brain

More studies in recent years have started to focus on the human brain.

As technology develops, so also has our ability to engage in different ways with the brain.

3D Brain is an app available on Android smartphones and the iPhone, too. Presenting a 3D simulation of the human brain, the app lets users zoom and rotate using the touch-screen, and discover each part’s various functions.

Students also have the option of looking up case-studies, investigate the amount of brain damage, explore functions and disorders, and find links to the latest research all from within the app. The cherry topping this creamy offering is that the app is completely free.

Star Walk

Astronomy majors and every other astronomy-enthusiast will benefit from this augmented reality app. Available only for the iPad and iPhone at a cost of $2.99 (Rs. 156.45), the app will label all stars, constellations, satellites, and other bodies in space you point your phone at.

Even more, students can track the International Space Station (ISS) with the app.

There is nothing like being able to do all this through your bedroom window. The content is of excellent quality, the design very intuitive, and the images used of high-resolution in order to maintain precision and accuracy. There are also facts and other astronomical calculations included within the app that students can explore.

GeneIndexHD

The Human Genome Project was initiated in 1990 and resulted in the publication of a working draft in 2003. The findings of the project are of great importance to researchers because it paves the way for advancements in drug discovery, and deepens our understanding of molecular medicine and human evolution.

Undoubtedly, it’s a complex task, and GeneIndexHD simplifies all of it. Download the app from the Apple iTunes Store for your iPhone or iPad for only $1.99 (Rs. 105.70). At the moment, unfortunately, the app is not available for Android devices, but can be substituted with the Molecular Genetics app for an equally broad educative scope.

Once you have GeneIndexHD on your device, you can look for genes by symbol and description, for mammals, plants, invertebrates and bacteria, link to information on other websites from within the app, download files you’d like to examine later, view journal articles, and also search PubMed, the free biomedical and life-sciences database.

(Molecular Genetics for Android, at Rs. 156.91, uses a flashcards system to teach you instead of GeneIndexHD’s more exhaustive approach, but is just as effective.)

Other apps

Some other apps for students to look at include Engineering Libraries, RealCalc, Engineering Pro, Buffers, Molecules, iLab Timer, Unit Conversion Pro, and Monster Anatomy HD. There is no dearth of options when it comes to using technology to teach oneself anything, and all these apps pay reliable testimony to that.

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