MBCLab Software Tools

3ds Max: https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/overview?sorting=featured&filters=individual#card-3dsmax

3ds Max, formerly known as 3D Studio Max, is a 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software tool developed by Autodesk (see below for getting Autodesk educational account access). It is widely used in the film, television, and gaming industries for creating high-quality 3D models and animations.

In recent years, 3ds Max has also become a popular tool in VR research, as it provides a range of features that are useful for creating VR experiences. These include:

Real-time rendering - 3ds Max allows users to preview their 3D models and animations in real-time, which is essential for creating VR experiences. This allows researchers to see how their VR environment will look and behave before they export it to a VR platform.

VR export - 3ds Max provides built-in tools for exporting 3D models and animations to popular VR platforms, such as Unity and Unreal Engine. This makes it easy for researchers to create VR experiences without needing to learn a new software tool.

Animation tools - 3ds Max provides a range of animation tools that are useful for creating VR experiences, such as inverse kinematics (IK) and procedural animation. These tools allow researchers to create lifelike movements and interactions within their VR environment.

Collaboration features - 3ds Max allows multiple users to collaborate on a project in real-time, which is essential for large-scale VR research projects. This makes it easier for researchers to work together and to share their findings with others.

Autodesk: https://www.autodesk.com/education

Autodesk is a multinational software corporation that produces a range of software tools for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and entertainment industries. The company is best known for its flagship product, AutoCAD, which is used for computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting.

In addition to AutoCAD, Autodesk produces a wide range of other software tools, including 3D modeling software such as Maya and 3ds Max (see below), product design software such as Fusion 360, and engineering software such as Inventor. Autodesk also provides cloud-based services, such as Autodesk Forge, which allows developers to create custom applications using Autodesk's APIs.

Autodesk's software tools are used by professionals in a variety of industries, from architecture and construction to film and video game production. Its software allows users to design, visualize, and simulate complex projects in a digital environment, helping to improve efficiency and accuracy in the design process.

One of the key strengths of Autodesk is its focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology. The company is constantly exploring new ways to improve its software tools and to push the boundaries of what is possible in design and engineering.

The main tools the lab uses are 3dsMax (above) and Maya (below). 3ds Max and Maya are both 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software tools developed by Autodesk, but they have some key differences.

One of the main differences between 3ds Max and Maya is their user interface. 3ds Max is known for its straightforward and intuitive interface, which makes it a popular choice for beginners and those who are new to 3D modeling and animation. Maya, on the other hand, has a more complex interface that can take some time to master, but it provides more advanced features for experienced users.

Another key difference between 3ds Max and Maya is their primary focus. 3ds Max is primarily used in the gaming industry, where it is used to create high-quality 3D models and animations for video games. Maya, on the other hand, is more widely used in the film and television industry, where it is used to create complex visual effects and animations.

In terms of specific features, 3ds Max is known for its particle system, which allows users to create realistic simulations of fluids, fire, and other effects. Maya, on the other hand, is known for its rigging and animation tools, which are widely used in the film and television industry to create lifelike character animations.

Blender: https://www.blender.org/

Blender is a free and open-source 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software tool that is increasingly being used in VR research due to its versatility and affordability. Some of the key features of Blender that make it a valuable tool for VR research include:

Real-time rendering - Blender allows users to preview their 3D models and animations in real-time, which is essential for creating VR experiences. This allows researchers to see how their VR environment will look and behave before they export it to a VR platform.

VR export - Blender provides built-in tools for exporting 3D models and animations to popular VR platforms, such as Unity and Unreal Engine. This makes it easy for researchers to create VR experiences without needing to learn a new software tool.

Animation tools - Blender provides a range of animation tools that are useful for creating VR experiences, such as inverse kinematics (IK) and procedural animation. These tools allow researchers to create lifelike movements and interactions within their VR environment.

Sculpting and texturing tools - Blender provides a range of sculpting and texturing tools that are useful for creating realistic 3D models of objects and characters within a VR environment.

Python scripting - Blender allows users to write Python scripts to automate tasks and create custom tools, which can be particularly useful in large-scale VR research projects.

One of the main differences between Blender and 3ds Max and Maya is its user interface. Blender's interface is often considered to be more streamlined and modern than those of 3ds Max and Maya. It is also more customizable, allowing users to create their own workspaces and menus.

Another key difference between Blender and 3ds Max and Maya is their pricing models. Blender is completely free and open-source, while 3ds Max and Maya require a subscription or license fee. This makes Blender a more cost-effective option for researchers on a tight budget.

In terms of specific features, Blender is known for its robust sculpting and texturing tools, which are particularly useful for creating detailed 3D models of objects and characters. Blender also has a strong community of developers who contribute add-ons and plugins that can extend the software's capabilities.

One area where Blender may lag behind 3ds Max and Maya is in animation tools, as these tools are more advanced and refined in the latter two tools. Additionally, while Blender's real-time rendering capabilities have improved in recent years, 3ds Max and Maya are still considered to be more advanced in this area.

ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/ (Michael has a GPT4 subscription license, ask for use)

ChatGPT is an AI-based language model that is designed to understand and respond to natural language inputs from users. It is based on the GPT-3.5 architecture and has been trained on a large corpus of text data, making it capable of generating responses that are coherent and relevant to the input provided.

In a scientific lab, ChatGPT can be used in a variety of ways. For example, it can be used to answer common questions that researchers may have about their work, such as how to interpret data, what statistical tests to use, or how to troubleshoot issues with equipment or software.

ChatGPT can also be used to assist with literature searches, by providing summaries of articles or suggesting relevant papers based on keywords or phrases. This can save researchers time and effort when searching for relevant information.

Another potential use for ChatGPT in a scientific lab is for generating hypotheses or research questions. By providing some initial data or background information, ChatGPT can generate potential research questions or hypotheses based on the input provided, which researchers can then evaluate and refine.

DALL-E 2: https://openai.com/product/dall-e-2

DALL·E 2 is an AI-based language model developed by OpenAI that is designed to generate images from textual descriptions. It builds on the success of the original DALL·E model, which was trained to generate images from textual descriptions of objects, scenes, and activities.

In scientific research, DALL·E 2 can be used in a variety of ways. For example, it can be used to generate visual representations of data, such as graphs or charts, to make them more engaging and accessible to readers. It can also be used to create illustrations or diagrams to explain complex concepts or processes.

DALL·E 2 can also be used to generate synthetic images for use in experiments or simulations. This can be particularly useful in fields like biology or neuroscience, where it may be difficult or expensive to obtain real images or data. By generating synthetic images, researchers can test hypotheses or simulate experiments in a more efficient and cost-effective way.

Another potential use for DALL·E 2 in scientific research is in the creation of training materials or educational resources. By generating visual representations of concepts or processes, researchers can create more engaging and effective learning materials for students or trainees.

GIthub: https://github.com/

GitHub is a web-based platform that provides a collaborative environment for software development and version control. It is particularly popular among computer scientists and software developers, but it can also be a valuable tool for researchers in other scientific fields.

In a science lab, GitHub can be used to manage and share code, data, and other research materials. It provides a centralized repository for all of the lab's digital assets, making it easy to organize, access, and share research materials with collaborators or other stakeholders.

GitHub's version control system allows users to keep track of changes made to code or data over time, making it easier to manage and maintain large, complex projects. Users can create branches to work on different features or experiments and merge changes back into the main branch when they are ready.

Another advantage of GitHub is its collaboration features. Users can invite collaborators to work on a project, track changes, and leave comments or suggestions. This can facilitate teamwork and improve the quality of the research.

GitHub also provides a range of tools for automating tasks, such as building and testing code, which can help to improve efficiency and reduce errors in the research process.

G*Power: https://www.psychologie.hhu.de/arbeitsgruppen/allgemeine-psychologie-und-arbeitspsychologie/gpower

G*Power is a software package that is designed to assist researchers in statistical power analysis for a variety of experimental designs. Power analysis is an important step in planning a research study as it helps researchers to determine the sample size needed to detect an effect of a certain size with a certain degree of confidence.

With G*Power, researchers can perform a wide range of power analyses, including sample size calculations for various statistical tests, estimation of effect sizes, and exploration of different study designs. The software provides a user-friendly interface that allows researchers to enter their experimental design and statistical parameters and to receive a range of power analysis results.

G*Power also provides options for data visualization, allowing researchers to create graphs and charts to help them understand the results of their power analysis. This can be particularly useful in communicating results to others, such as collaborators or reviewers.

One of the key strengths of G*Power is its flexibility. It can be used in a wide range of research areas, including psychology, biology, engineering, and more. It also supports a variety of statistical tests, making it a versatile tool for many different research designs.

Google Docs: https://docs.google.com/

Google Docs is a web-based word processing tool that is part of the larger suite of Google Workspace tools. It provides users with a simple and user-friendly interface for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

In a lab setting, Google Docs can be a valuable tool for collaborating on research projects or manuscripts. It allows multiple users to access and edit a document simultaneously, which can facilitate teamwork and improve efficiency. Users can also track changes made by other team members and add comments, making it easy to communicate and provide feedback.

Google Docs also provides a range of formatting and styling options, making it easy to create professional-looking documents that meet the requirements of a particular journal or publisher. It also allows users to add images, tables, and other types of content, which can be particularly useful for creating figures or diagrams for research papers or manuscripts.

Another advantage of Google Docs is its accessibility. Because it is web-based, users can access their documents from anywhere with an internet connection, which can be particularly useful for remote or distributed teams.

JASP: https://jasp-stats.org/

JASP is a free and open-source statistical software package that is designed for researchers, students, and educators in the social and behavioral sciences. It provides users with a user-friendly interface for performing a wide range of statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and Bayesian analysis.

With JASP, users can analyze their data using a variety of techniques, including t-tests, ANOVA, regression analysis, and more. It also provides options for calculating effect sizes, generating plots and graphs, and producing reports.

One of the key strengths of JASP is its focus on Bayesian statistics, which provides an alternative approach to traditional frequentist statistics. Bayesian statistics allows researchers to incorporate prior knowledge and uncertainty into their analyses, making it a valuable tool for many types of research.

JASP also provides a range of features for collaboration and reproducibility, including the ability to save and share analyses, export results to a variety of formats, and integrate with other software tools such as R and Python.

Matlab: https://www.mathworks.com/academia/tah-portal/university-of-waterloo-31483447.html

MATLAB is a high-level programming language and interactive environment that is widely used in various fields such as engineering, science, finance, and more. It provides users with a range of tools for numerical computing, data analysis, and visualization. MATLAB allows users to write and execute code, and provides a wide range of built-in functions for tasks such as linear algebra, signal processing, and optimization.

Simulink is a graphical programming environment that is used in conjunction with MATLAB for modeling, simulating, and analyzing dynamic systems. It provides a block diagram interface that allows users to create models of systems using pre-built blocks, and simulate the behavior of those systems under different conditions. Simulink is widely used in various fields such as automotive, aerospace, and control engineering to model and simulate complex systems.

One of the key strengths of MATLAB and Simulink is their ability to work together seamlessly. MATLAB provides a powerful set of tools for numerical computing and data analysis, while Simulink provides a graphical interface for modeling and simulating dynamic systems. Together, they provide a powerful platform for developing and testing complex algorithms and systems.

Maya: https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/overview?sorting=featured&filters=individual#card-maya

Maya is a 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software tool developed by Autodesk (see above for getting Autodesk educational account access). It is widely used in the film, television, and gaming industries for creating high-quality 3D models and animations.

In recent years, Maya has also become a popular tool in VR research, as it provides a range of features that are useful for creating VR experiences. These include:

Real-time rendering - Maya allows users to preview their 3D models and animations in real-time, which is essential for creating VR experiences. This allows researchers to see how their VR environment will look and behave before they export it to a VR platform.

VR export - Maya provides built-in tools for exporting 3D models and animations to popular VR platforms, such as Unity and Unreal Engine. This makes it easy for researchers to create VR experiences without needing to learn a new software tool.

Animation tools - Maya provides a range of animation tools that are useful for creating VR experiences, such as inverse kinematics (IK) and procedural animation. These tools allow researchers to create lifelike movements and interactions within their VR environment.

Collaboration features - Maya allows multiple users to collaborate on a project in real-time, which is essential for large-scale VR research projects. This makes it easier for researchers to work together and to share their findings with others.

Virtual reality specific tools - In addition to the above, Maya has specific tools designed to facilitate the creation of VR content. For example, its virtual reality camera allows users to preview and fine-tune VR experiences in real-time, making it easier to create immersive experiences.

Microsoft 365: https://uwaterloo.ca/microsoft-365/about/accessing-your-microsoft-365-account

Microsoft 365 (MS365) is a cloud-based productivity suite that includes several tools that are commonly used in science labs, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams.

Word - Word is a word processing tool that is commonly used in scientific writing, such as for drafting manuscripts, reports, and grant proposals. It includes features such as spell check, grammar check, and track changes, which can be especially useful for collaborative writing projects.

Excel - Excel is a spreadsheet tool that is commonly used in scientific research for data analysis and management. It includes features such as sorting, filtering, and formula creation, which can help researchers to organize and analyze large datasets.

Outlook - Outlook is an email and calendar management tool that is commonly used in science labs for communication and scheduling. It includes features such as email filters, calendar sharing, and meeting scheduling, which can help researchers to stay organized and communicate effectively.

OneDrive - OneDrive is a cloud-based file storage and sharing tool that is commonly used in science labs for storing and sharing files securely. It allows researchers to access files from any device with an internet connection, making it easy to collaborate with others and work remotely.

Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that is commonly used in science labs for virtual meetings, file sharing, and project management. It includes features such as video conferencing, chat, and file sharing, which can help researchers to collaborate effectively and stay organized. The MBCLab uses MSTeams as its main virtual meeting platform.

Midjourney: https://www.midjourney.com/home/?callbackUrl=%2Fapp%2F

MidJourney is a web-based platform that allows researchers to recruit and engage study participants for research studies. It provides a unique approach to recruitment, as it leverages the popularity of social media platforms like Discord to create a more engaging and interactive experience for participants.

To use MidJourney, researchers first create a study on the platform, including details about the study design, eligibility criteria, and compensation. They then create a Discord server and invite participants to join. Once participants join, they can interact with the research team, ask questions, and receive updates on the study.

MidJourney provides tools for managing the study, including options for screening participants, scheduling appointments, and tracking progress. It also provides a dashboard for researchers to analyze data and export results.

In a scientific lab, MidJourney can be used in a variety of ways. For example, it can be used to recruit and engage participants for studies that involve social interaction or require a high level of engagement. It can also be used to collect data from hard-to-reach populations or those who are more comfortable in online communities.

The use of Discord as a platform for participant engagement can also be beneficial for researchers, as it provides a more natural and conversational approach to engagement compared to traditional methods like email or phone calls. This can result in higher levels of engagement and more meaningful data.

Mixamo: https://www.mixamo.com/#/

Mixamo is an online platform that provides a library of pre-made 3D character models and animations, as well as an auto-rigger tool. It is designed to help game developers, animators, and other 3D artists save time and effort in creating and animating 3D characters for their projects.

With Mixamo, users can choose from a wide range of 3D character models, including humanoids, animals, and fantasy creatures. They can then customize the characters by adjusting their body shape, clothing, and textures. Once the character is created, users can choose from a library of animations, such as walking, running, jumping, and more.

Mixamo's auto-rigger tool allows users to quickly and easily rig their 3D characters for animation. Rigging is the process of adding a skeleton to a character model so that it can be animated. Mixamo's auto-rigger uses algorithms to automatically generate the rigging for a 3D character model, saving time and effort compared to manual rigging.

Mixamo provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create and animate 3D characters, even for those who have limited experience with 3D modeling and animation. The platform also provides a range of tools for exporting the characters and animations to popular 3D software tools, such as Blender, Unity, and Unreal Engine.

One of the key strengths of Mixamo is its ability to save time and effort in creating and animating 3D characters. Its library of pre-made characters and animations, as well as its auto-rigger tool, can be a valuable resource for game developers and animators who need to meet tight deadlines or have limited resources.

Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/

The Open Science Framework (OSF) is an online platform that provides researchers with a comprehensive set of tools for managing and sharing research projects. It is designed to support open and transparent research practices, making it easier for researchers to share their work with others and increase the reproducibility and reliability of scientific research.

With the OSF, researchers can register their research projects, which involves creating a detailed plan for their research, including the hypotheses, methodology, and data analysis plan. By registering their projects, researchers can increase transparency and accountability, as well as receive feedback and suggestions from other researchers.

The OSF also provides options for managing and sharing data, making it easier for researchers to make their data available to others and increase the impact of their research. Researchers can upload their data to the OSF and make it accessible to others, while also ensuring that the data is well-documented and properly formatted.

One of the key strengths of the OSF is its integration with other tools commonly used in scientific research, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and GitHub. This makes it easy for researchers to manage their files, data, and code in a centralized and organized way.

Overleaf: https://www.overleaf.com

Overleaf is an online platform that provides a collaborative environment for writing and publishing academic papers, including PhD dissertations, research papers, and scientific manuscripts. It is particularly popular among researchers who use LaTeX, a typesetting system that is widely used in the scientific community for its ability to produce high-quality documents with complex mathematical equations and formulas. 

With Overleaf, users can create and edit documents in real-time, collaborating with other authors, reviewers, or editors. It provides a range of features for formatting text, adding figures, tables, and equations, and managing citations and references. Users can also choose from a wide range of templates and styles to ensure that their document meets the requirements of the target journal or publisher.

One of the key strengths of Overleaf is its ability to integrate with other tools and platforms commonly used in academic research, such as BibTeX, Mendeley, and GitHub. This makes it easy for researchers to manage their references, share code, and collaborate with colleagues in a seamless and efficient way.

Overleaf is particularly useful for PhD students or researchers who need to produce manuscripts or dissertations in LaTeX format. It provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the writing process and allows for real-time collaboration with supervisors or other team members. It also offers features for version control, so that users can keep track of changes and revert to previous versions if needed. The University of Waterloo template can be found here: https://uwaterloo.ca/library/uwspace/thesis-submission-guide/formatting-your-thesis

Pavlovia: https://pavlovia.org/

Pavlovia is a cloud-based platform for running online experiments in psychology and related fields. It is built on the PsychoPy software package and provides researchers with a simple and easy-to-use platform for running experiments remotely.

With Pavlovia, researchers can design and upload their experiments to a cloud-based server, where participants can access them from anywhere with an internet connection. Pavlovia provides tools for recruiting participants, managing consent forms, and collecting data, making it a convenient and efficient way to conduct online experiments.

One of the key strengths of Pavlovia is its ability to provide precise timing and control of stimuli, which is crucial for many types of psychological experiments. It also provides a range of features for controlling stimulus presentation, including randomization, counterbalancing, and adaptive procedures.

Pavlovia supports a wide range of devices, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, making it accessible to a broad range of participants. It also provides tools for data analysis and visualization, allowing researchers to analyze and interpret their data with ease.

Prolific Academic: https://www.prolific.co/

Prolific Academic is a popular online platform used for recruiting participants for research studies, particularly in the fields of psychology, social sciences, and related areas. It provides researchers with a simple and efficient way to recruit and pay participants for their participation in studies.

With Prolific Academic, researchers can easily create and post their studies, including detailed descriptions, eligibility criteria, and compensation rates. Participants can then sign up and choose to participate in studies that interest them. Once the study is complete, researchers can quickly and easily compensate participants through the platform.

One of the key strengths of Prolific Academic is its large and diverse participant pool. The platform has over 100,000 active participants from around the world, which means that researchers can quickly recruit large and diverse samples for their studies. Additionally, the platform provides tools for screening participants and ensuring data quality, which helps researchers to collect reliable and valid data.

Prolific Academic also provides tools for managing research studies, including tracking participant progress, sending reminders, and communicating with participants. These features help to ensure that studies run smoothly and that participants have a positive experience.

PsychoPy: https://www.psychopy.org/

PsychoPy is an open-source software package used to create experiments in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields. It provides researchers with a comprehensive set of tools to design, run, and analyze experiments, with a focus on providing precise timing and control of stimuli.

With PsychoPy, researchers can create a wide variety of experiments, including visual and auditory perception, attention, memory, and more. It provides a graphical interface for designing experiments, and a scripting language (Python-based) for more advanced programming.

One of the key strengths of PsychoPy is its ability to provide millisecond-precision timing, which is crucial for many types of psychological experiments. It also provides a range of features for controlling stimulus presentation, including randomization, counterbalancing, and adaptive procedures.

PsychoPy supports a wide range of hardware devices, such as displays, keyboards, mice, and response boxes, making it a flexible tool for designing experiments. It also provides tools for data analysis and visualization, allowing researchers to analyze and interpret their data with ease.

Python: https://www.python.org/

Python is a high-level programming language that is widely used in various fields such as data science, web development, machine learning, and more. It provides users with a simple and easy-to-learn syntax, making it a popular choice for beginners and experienced programmers alike.

Python offers a wide range of built-in data structures and functions that can be used for tasks such as data analysis, web development, and more. It also provides a large number of third-party libraries and modules, making it a highly extensible language. Many libraries in Python that are commonly used in scientific research include NumPy, PsychoPy (see above) SciPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib, among others.

One of the key strengths of Python is its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of tasks, from writing simple scripts to building complex web applications and machine learning models. Additionally, Python has a large and active community of developers, which means that there are many resources available for learning and troubleshooting.

Python's popularity has led to its adoption in various industries and fields, making it a highly sought-after skill in the job market. Its ease of use and versatility make it a valuable tool for programmers and non-programmers alike.

Qualisys Track Manager (QTM): https://www.qualisys.com/software/qualisys-track-manager/

Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) is a software application used in motion capture systems to capture and analyze the movements of objects or subjects. It provides researchers, scientists, and engineers with a comprehensive set of tools to track and analyze motion in a variety of applications such as sports, biomechanics, and robotics.

With QTM, users can calibrate and set up their motion capture system, capture motion data in real-time, and analyze the data using a range of tools and features. QTM allows users to customize their data collection and analysis workflows to suit their specific needs.

One of the key strengths of QTM is its ability to capture motion data with high precision and accuracy. It uses a variety of sensors, including cameras and markers, to track the movement of objects or subjects in real-time. It also provides a range of tools for filtering, smoothing, and synchronizing data, which helps to ensure the quality of the data collected.

QTM also provides a range of features for analyzing and visualizing motion data, including options for plotting trajectories, calculating joint angles, and measuring forces and torques. These features can help researchers to gain insights into the biomechanics of movements and develop more effective training or rehabilitation programs.

Qualtrics: https://uwaterloo.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ISTSERV/pages/42583425432/Qualtrics+Online+Surveys

Qualtrics is a web-based survey platform used for collecting and analyzing data in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, and social sciences. It provides researchers, organizations, and individuals with a wide range of tools to design and distribute surveys, analyze data, and create reports.

With Qualtrics, users can create surveys using a drag-and-drop interface, with options for various types of questions such as multiple-choice, ranking, and open-ended questions. It also offers options for randomization, branching, and skip logic, allowing users to create complex surveys with ease.

One of the key strengths of Qualtrics is its ability to support surveys in multiple languages, which is important for research that involves participants from different countries and cultures. It also provides options for distributing surveys via email, social media, or through a website, making it a flexible tool for collecting data from a variety of sources.

Qualtrics provides advanced features for analyzing data, including options for filtering, grouping, and cross-tabulating data. It also offers a range of reporting options, including visualizations, summary statistics, and dashboards, which can be customized to suit the user's needs.

R: https://www.r-project.org/

R is a programming language and software environment that is widely used in statistical computing and data analysis. It provides users with a comprehensive set of tools for manipulating, visualizing, and analyzing data, making it a popular choice for researchers, data scientists, and statisticians.

With R, users can import data from a wide range of sources, including spreadsheets, databases, and text files. They can then use a wide range of statistical techniques to analyze the data, including linear and nonlinear modeling, time-series analysis, and more. R also provides options for data visualization, allowing users to create a wide range of plots and graphs to help them understand their data.

One of the key strengths of R is its extensibility. It provides a large and active community of developers who have contributed to a vast library of packages and functions, covering a wide range of statistical techniques, data visualization tools, and more. This makes it a highly versatile and customizable tool for a wide range of applications.

R also provides options for collaboration and reproducibility, including the ability to save and share code, create interactive notebooks, and integrate with other software tools such as Python and SQL.

Research Rabbit: https://www.researchrabbit.ai/

Research Rabbit is an online tool that can help researchers to find, organize, and manage information for their projects.

Search tools - Research Rabbit allows researchers to search multiple databases, search engines, and library catalogs from one platform. This can save time and effort by allowing researchers to find the information they need quickly and easily.

Citation management - Allows users to import citations from Zotero, and also provides its own citation management tools, such as creating bibliographies and formatting citations in various styles. This integration with Zotero allows researchers to easily manage their references and citations within Research Rabbit.

Project organization - Research Rabbit allows researchers to organize their research projects by creating folders, adding notes, and setting reminders. This can help researchers to stay organized and focused on their goals.

Collaboration - Research Rabbit includes features for collaborating with others, such as sharing folders, notes, and citations with colleagues or collaborators. This can be especially useful for large-scale research projects that involve multiple people.

SidequestVR: https://sidequestvr.com/

SideQuestVR is a third-party application store for virtual reality (VR) gaming and experiences. It provides a platform for developers to distribute their VR games and applications outside of the official Oculus Store, which has more stringent content guidelines.

With SideQuestVR, users can browse and download a wide range of VR games and experiences, including many that are not available on the Oculus Store. This allows users to access a wider range of content and to experience VR in new and unique ways.

SideQuestVR also provides a range of tools and features for developers, including options for distribution, analytics, and monetization. This makes it easier for developers to get their VR games and applications in front of a wider audience and to earn revenue from their creations.

One of the key strengths of SideQuestVR is its community of users and developers, who are passionate about VR and dedicated to exploring the possibilities of the medium. This community fosters innovation and experimentation, leading to new and exciting VR experiences.

Sigmaplot 12.5: (ask for copy of the 12.0 disk if needed, the lab is using this less now)

SigmaPlot is a powerful scientific graphing and data analysis software that is widely used in various fields such as engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, and more. It provides researchers, scientists, and engineers with a comprehensive set of tools to analyze and visualize data in a variety of ways.

With SigmaPlot, users can import data from various sources, such as Excel, MATLAB, and ASCII files, and perform various statistical analyses, such as ANOVA, regression, and t-tests. It also provides a variety of graphing options, including line graphs, scatter plots, bar charts, and more, which can be customized to suit the user's needs.

One of the key strengths of SigmaPlot is its ability to create high-quality graphs and figures that are publication-ready. The software offers a wide range of customization options for graphs, including options for axis labeling, font styles, colors, and more. It also provides a range of statistical tools to help users identify trends and patterns in their data.

Unity: https://unity.com/products/unity-student (check computer requirements)

The Unity game engine is a powerful tool used for creating video games and other interactive content. It is a software application that provides developers with a wide range of features and tools to create games that can run on various platforms, including desktops, mobile devices, consoles, and virtual reality headsets.

The Unity engine allows developers to create 3D and 2D games using a visual editor, which enables them to design environments, characters, and other game elements. Additionally, Unity provides a scripting language called C# that allows developers to program the behavior of game objects and create gameplay mechanics.

The engine also includes a physics engine, which allows game objects to interact with each other in a realistic manner. Additionally, Unity provides tools for creating user interfaces, handling input from players, and integrating with various third-party software.

In short, the Unity game engine is a versatile and powerful tool that allows developers to create games and interactive content for a wide range of platforms, using a combination of visual editing and programming.

Unreal: https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/download (check computer requirements)

The Unreal game engine is another powerful tool used for creating video games and other interactive content. Like Unity, it provides developers with a wide range of features and tools to create games that can run on various platforms, including desktops, mobile devices, consoles, and virtual reality headsets.

The Unreal engine offers a visual editor that allows developers to design environments, characters, and other game elements in 3D. It also provides a powerful scripting language called Blueprint, which enables developers to create gameplay mechanics and program the behavior of game objects without needing to write code.

The Unreal engine also includes a robust physics engine, which allows game objects to interact with each other realistically. Additionally, it provides tools for creating user interfaces, handling input from players, and integrating with various third-party software.

One key advantage of the Unreal engine is its advanced graphics capabilities. It includes a sophisticated rendering system that can create realistic lighting and shadows, as well as advanced visual effects like particle systems and post-processing effects.

What’s the difference between Unity and Unreal?

While Unity and Unreal are both powerful game engines used for creating video games and interactive content, there are some differences between them that may influence a developer's choice between the two. Here are some of the main differences between Unity and Unreal:

Programming language: Unity uses C# as its main programming language, while Unreal uses C++. While both languages are powerful and widely used, C++ is generally considered to be more difficult to learn and use than C#.

Visual scripting: While both engines allow developers to program the behavior of game objects, Unreal offers a visual scripting language called Blueprint that allows developers to create gameplay mechanics without writing code. Unity, on the other hand, does not have a built-in visual scripting language, although there are third-party tools available that provide similar functionality.

Asset store: Both engines have an asset store that provides developers with pre-made assets like 3D models, textures, and sound effects. However, the Unreal asset store is more curated and generally contains higher-quality assets than the Unity asset store.

Graphics: Unreal is known for its advanced graphics capabilities, including a sophisticated rendering system that can create realistic lighting and shadows. While Unity's graphics capabilities are also strong, they may not be as advanced as Unreal's.

Licensing: Unity uses a licensing model that charges developers based on the size of their development team and the platforms they are targeting. Unreal, on the other hand, is free to use up to a certain revenue threshold, after which developers must pay a royalty fee on their earnings.

Overall, both Unity and Unreal are powerful game engines with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between them will ultimately depend on the specific needs and preferences of the developer and their team.

How do I learn to use these?

Unity Learn: Unity offers a free online learning platform called Unity Learn, which includes a variety of courses and tutorials for beginners and experienced developers alike. The platform covers topics like game design, programming, 3D modeling, and more. You can access Unity Learn here: https://learn.unity.com/

Unreal Online Learning: Unreal also offers a free online learning platform called Unreal Online Learning, which includes courses and tutorials for beginners and advanced users. The platform covers topics like Blueprint visual scripting, C++ programming, 3D modeling, and more. You can access Unreal Online Learning here: https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/onlinelearning-courses

Udemy: Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses on Unity and Unreal, both for beginners and more experienced developers. While many of the courses on Udemy are paid, there are also many free courses available. You can find Unity courses on Udemy here: https://www.udemy.com/topic/unity-game-development/

and Unreal courses here: https://www.udemy.com/topic/unreal-engine/

(ask about using the mbclabparticipant@gmail.com account for access to these)

YouTube: YouTube is a great resource for finding free tutorials and courses on Unity and Unreal. There are many channels dedicated to teaching game development using these engines, and many developers share their own tips and tricks on the platform. Here are some popular channels to get started with:

Brackeys (Unity): https://www.youtube.com/c/Brackeys

Unreal Engine (Unreal): https://www.youtube.com/c/UnrealEngine

Documentation and Community Forums: Both Unity and Unreal have extensive documentation and community forums that can be used as a learning resource. These resources include guides, tutorials, and Q&A forums where developers can ask questions and get help from other members of the community. You can access Unity's documentation and community forums here: https://docs.unity3d.com/

and Unreal's documentation and community forums here: https://docs.unrealengine.com/

Zotero: https://www.zotero.org/download/ 

Zotero is, at the most basic level, a reference manager. It is designed to store, manage, and cite bibliographic references, such as books and articles. In Zotero, each of these references constitutes an item. More broadly, Zotero is a powerful tool for collecting and organizing research information and sources. 

Chrome connector plugin: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/zotero-connector/ekhagklcjbdpajgpjgmbionohlpdbjgc

Quickstart guide: https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide