It is very advantageous (indispensable I would argue) to be able to view, in 3-D, side-by-side stereo pictures in structure papers. I'm sure you'll agree once you get it to work! Stereo glasses have been designed for this purpose, but it is not difficult (and much more convenient) to learn to see in 3-D without stereo glasses. There are two ways to see in stereo: cross-eyed (or cross viewing) and wall-eyed (or parallel viewing). All side-by-side stereo figures in structure papers are designed to be viewed wall-eyed. (If you view them cross-eyed, the atoms in back appear in front and vice versa - better than nothing, but you can do better.) To help you get started, check out this web site for practice in parallel viewing.

Try relaxing your eyes (focusing at infinity) and forming an image of these 4 numbers in the middle of the field of view, between the left and right panels of numbers. If done correctly, you'll see that the 4 numbers appear to be at different depths with respect to the screen. Order the numbers from furthest away to closest to you (e.g. 3 1 2 4) and send your answer to hubbard@saturn.med.nyu.edu. No stereo glasses allowed! Good luck!
 

Now try viewing this real-life example. Glu at the P+4 position in the peptide (E(P+4)) should appear closest to you, and Glu at the P-1 position (E(P-1)) should appear furthest away.