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Forget microscopes. Students at Tufts University's Center for Scientific Vizualization don't have to squint when examining particles, molecules, DNA, and tiny organisms. Instead they simply glance up at the enormous VisWall in their classroom.

The $350,000 3D, high-resolution screen is so powerful that the first time people look at it they nearly experience whiplash, according to an article in the Boston Globe. Well, that's better than "doing the whip" in class because the class is tediously boring.

At 8-feet by 14-feet, the VisWall's images are said to look twice as detailed as a standard HDTV.

The VisWall comes equipped with special software designed to give the impression of motion and touch (students can manipulate objects on the screen), and is lit with twin projectors designed to eliminate ghosting.

The VisWall's maker, VisBox, wants to put versions of the VisWall in many environments, not just classrooms. Possible industries that could benefit from an enormous magnifying screen include aerospace, transportation, and medical and research laboratories of all kinds. How many years until this type of screen makes its way into doctors' offices to assist with examinations? -Rachel Rosmarin

Boston Globe