Live-streaming a marshland for fun – and science

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — Scientists have equipped a Massachusetts marshland with wireless sensors, cameras and microphones to create a virtual reality world inspired by nature’s rhythms.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are live-streaming data, sights and sounds from the Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary on the internet. Their aim is to help scientists understand wildlife restoration techniques. It will also let people experience nature remotely.

The scientists plan to use the collected data to help power an online virtual reality world — a kind of alternate universe modeled on live conditions in the marsh, but populated with fanciful creatures.

As wireless sensors get cheaper, longer-lasting and more sophisticated, they’re increasingly turning up everywhere. They’re already in smart homes and cities, pulling in data in order to smooth traffic, save energy and monitor pollution.