Gamers Unlock Protein Mystery That Baffled AIDS Researchers For Years
“Following the failure of a wide range of attempts to solve the crystal structure of M-PMV retroviral protease by molecular replacement, we challenged players of the protein folding game Foldit to produce accurate models of the protein,” the study reads. “Remarkably, Foldit players were able to generate models of sufficient quality for successful molecular replacement and subsequent structure determination. The refined structure provides new insights for the design of antiretroviral drugs.”
Developed by researchers at the University of Washington, Foldit turns scientific problems into competitive games. Players were charged with using spatial and critical thinking skills to build 3D models of protease. Few of these players had any kind of background in biochemistry.
According to Fox, it took players a matter of days to come up with models that were solid enough for researchers to translate into scientific rendering of the protein...
Foldit has not only made this breakthrough with AIDS research, but it has also aided in Cancer and Alzheimer’s research.
You guys have seen the slow loris getting tickled, right? So cute.
Thanks again for the birthday happies!
I don't dare tell her my mine went immediately to Supernatural and to Veronica Mars.
Your cousin just made me so happy.
My cousin just had healthy, 6lb twin boys named, Dean and Logan
And the boys-names-ending-in-N trend continues unabated. (Sorry, Dylan. I didn't know!)
Gamers Unlock Protein Mystery That Baffled AIDS Researchers For Years
Wow, that's cool. Sort of Enders Game-ish, though.
"Here play this game where you pretend to buy all the copper in Tanzania. Whoever can bargain for the lowest price wins. Oh, look at that. The copper market in Tanzania completely collapsed. Must be a coincidence."
Skipping yet-again because, according to the Buffista Calendar, today is Sophia Brooks' birthday.
Happy birthday, Sophia! With lots of wishes for a great day and a wonderful year!
(Is it smonster's birthday, as well? It wasn't mailed to me, so I can't know. Either way, I hope your day is lovely!)
Nilly! I loved seeing all those pictures of you and your little boy. He's such a happy baby. Lucky you, and lucky him!
Radio interview scheduled for 6:40 AM tomorrow. YIKES. Asscrack of Dawn.
I am abjuring the new DC stuff. . . . you know, so far.
I went to a staff devo where they made silly putty so I have freshly made silly putty!
The Troy Davis execution...can anyone order a stay or is it the end of the road? I don't know how the state works.
