Foldit's Players Develop Protein Structures for Biochemists to Test
Laura McQuarrie — March 24, 2020 — Lifestyle
References: fold.it & fastcompany
Foldit is a puzzle game that challenges players to create new protein structures that can be tested by biochemists in the lab and potentially even used in antiviral drugs. To get started, Foldit recommends that people get started with the Foldit Intro Puzzles, followed by some practice on the Science Puzzles and then potentially even the coronavirus puzzle. There's even an advanced puzzle where people can digitally develop an antiviral protein from scratch.
Foldit emerged in 2008 and started as an experimental research project from the University of Washington’s Center for Game Science and the Department of Biochemistry. Now, Foldit’s “coronavirus puzzle” is the game’s 1,808th puzzle. Already, thousands of people are working on the coronavirus puzzles, which would help to slow its spread.
Foldit emerged in 2008 and started as an experimental research project from the University of Washington’s Center for Game Science and the Department of Biochemistry. Now, Foldit’s “coronavirus puzzle” is the game’s 1,808th puzzle. Already, thousands of people are working on the coronavirus puzzles, which would help to slow its spread.
Trend Themes
1. Crowdsourced Protein Development - Gamification of protein development challenges crowds to innovate methods of engineering antiviral drugs.
2. Gamified Research - Video games are being used as a tool to tap into collective intelligence and solve complex research challenges.
3. Online Puzzle Communities - Online puzzle communities are transforming the way biochemists approach protein research, fueling an exciting new era of collective scientific discovery.
Industry Implications
1. Video Game Industry - Game developers are collaborating with scientists to create gamified research platforms and tap into new market opportunities.
2. Biochemistry Industry - Biochemistry companies are leveraging crowdsourced protein design to accelerate antiviral drug development and find more affordable, accessible, and sustainable protein engineering solutions.
3. Online Learning Industry - Online puzzle games are revolutionizing science education, offering students an interactive and engaging way of learning about complex scientific concepts.
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