An overview of auditory display to assist comprehension of molecular information

This paper presents an overview of auditory display (the use of non-speech sounds to convey information) applied to the study of molecular properties in human–computer interfaces, particularly in virtual environments. Chemistry researchers and students have difficulty in analysing and comprehending molecular structure and bonding and other biomolecular characteristics. Research reports that non-speech sounds have been useful in identifying trends in gene sequences and molecular characteristics, which when used in virtual environments, can facilitate comprehension of complex relationships that are difficult to perceive through visualisation alone. q 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.