An augmented reality tool to aid understanding of protein loop configuration

In the wake of 21
^st
century progress, there is a huge demand for trained bioinformaticians to fulfill growing industry needs. As such, increasing numbers of Computer Science graduate students and researchers pursue their education and career in this promising field. There is the problem of a potential communication gap, faced by budding bioinformaticians, due to insufficient biological knowledge. Interesting molecular biology problems such as protein loop closure may not be easily understood by beginners in the field without first having a solid background in biochemistry or structural molecular biology. The study of protein loop mechanisms is essential in determining the probable motions of a protein, which will indicate its configuration and hence its specific role in the human, or animal, body. Tremendous advances in nano-science can be achieved when more shapes and functions of proteins are discovered, leading to drug innovations, cures for diseases such as HIV, Alzheimer and Mad Cow disease, as well as insights into complex cellular processes involving antibodies, enzymes and ex cetera. Exposure to protein loop mechanisms, a technical and biological field, can be realized by the development of an augmented reality educational tool designed for both Computer Science students and scientists.