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Science
The area of scientific research is increasingly using visual simulations to record, document and illustrate processes and elements that are difficult to see normally - from the very small, such as nanotechnology, to the very large, such as astrophysics.
"Much of modern science can no longer be communicated in print; DNA
sequences, molecular models, medical imaging scans, brain maps, simulated
flights through a terrain, simulations of fluid flow, and so on all need
to be expressed and taught visually…. Scientists need an alternative to numbers.
A technical reality today and a cognitive imperative tomorrow is the use
of images. The ability of scientists to visualize complex computations and
simulations is absolutely essential to ensure the integrity of analyses,
to provoke insights, and to communicate those insights with others."
--
DeFanti & Brown (Advances in Computers - 1991)
Below are just a few examples of current research:
- National Science Foundation: An independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…".
- The Graphics and Visualization Center: One of 24 science and technology centers of the NSF. Concentrates on research in four main areas of computer graphics: modeling, rendering, user interfaces and high-performance architectures.
- Scientific Computing & Imaging Institute: Research institute at the University of Utah - concentrates on engineering and research in the areas of scientific computing, scientific visualization, and imaging. •
Nanotube photo credit: Vin Crespi, Pennsylvania State
Physics
Fluid dynamics photo credit: Patrick Motl, Mario D'Souza, Joel E. Tohline,
and Juhan Frank, LSU