Mom's Minute

Foldit:  An online scientific video game!

Source of News:  Futurity.org, Science and Technology, Posted by Leila Gray, September 29, 2011

Article:  Gamers succeed where Scientists Fail

In my quest to bring you interesting and exciting video game news, I could not wait to share this news with you!  Looks like the intelligent minds of smart video game players were very beneficial in helping to solve a scientific problem.

Have you ever heard of Foldit?  Foldit is a new on-line computer game that lets you contribute to important scientific research.  It is  a science based game dealing with molecules, proteins, enzymes, and topics of that nature.   The game was created by computer scientists from the University of Washington in association with Baker Lab.

What is the news here?  When after many years, scientists were unable to put together the structure of an enzyme from an Aids-like virus -- Foldit players were called in.  Amazingly, within only three weeks, the Foldit players were able to put together an accurate model of the enzyme!

Ms. H's take.  With the far-reaching implications of this discovery, I'm surprised this achievement did not get more wide-spread press coverage!  I believe it is scientific, including medical research that form the bases for finding cures for diseases as well as ways to help us remain healthy and productive members of society.  Not to be too deep, but I am really impressed by this discovery by video game players!  Congrats!!

Here is a picture regarding the Foldit online computer game.

My minute is up!  Thanks for visiting my website and come back to visit soon!

Please follow me on Twitter, under my Twitter name, "MsHequalswin!"  I'll see you on Twitter!

Bye now,

Ms. H

"Ms. H Equals Win!"