Gamers solve puzzle which stumped scientists for years and could hold key to curing AIDS
Article Author:
Laurie Whitwell
Article Publication Date:
September 19th, 2011
URL: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2039012/AIDS-cure-Gamers-solve-puzzle-stumped-scientists-years.html#ixzz1ZmHwgvb5
Article Summary:
A team of gamers were given a task by scientists to crack the mystery on the AIDS-like virus of rhesus monkeys. Their job is to find a molecular structure of the enzyme which would lead to development of drugs to stop the virus in its tracks. A solution was found in under 10 days by the gamers.
Relevance to Class:
The foldit players are just like Information Architects mentioned in this article. They design a chemical key that matches a lower energy state for the molecule which is information for biochemists about a particular enzyme. They both create information for the user to grasp.
Key Quote:
Seth Cooper, a UW computer scientist who is Foldit's lead designer and developer, explained. "Games provide a framework for bringing together the strengths of computers and humans."
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