Can Virtual Reality Help Women Cope With Childbirth? - Weekly Mash-Up 164

Can virtual reality help women cope with childbirth?
The Guardian

With more women moving away from scheduled C-sections, doctors are introducing a new method to cope with the pain of natural births: virtual reality. Mothers would be given headsets, where they would be able to enjoy a beach vista, or watch a flock of birds fly over their head during the birth. Although using VR in this environment is still rare, some studies have suggested that being immersed in an different sensorial environment can temporarily relieve pain. Read more

Want to conquer fear? Artificial intelligence can come to your help
The Metro US

The “Elements of Oz,” at the 3LD Theater in New Jersey incorporates an AR layer on top of the big moments in the story! While the majority of the show unfolds live onstage, the audience is prompted to pick up their phones through the show’s app at key points. This gives audiences a completely new way to interact with live theatre. Here they can watch video, use the augmented reality feature or other digital surprises. Read more

Augmented reality treatment reduces phantom pain in missing limbs
TechCrunch

People with amputations often experience aches and pains in an arm or leg that isn’t there. A new type of therapy using augmented reality is surprisingly effective at reducing even the most intractable phantom pain. This new theory, first proposed in 2014, has just completed its first, highly promising clinical trial. Read more

Is artificial intelligence the future of customer service?
The Next Web

Dealing with customer service can be a difficult task – it is the bane of our existence as consumers. But is artificial intelligence the appropriate solution? AI is proposed to take traditional customer service to a new level. Not only can it assist customers when needed, but even when consumers are unaware that they are in need of assitance. Instead of just waiting for the upset customer to turn to customer service, companies are offering solutions that proactively prevent the need for it. Read more