Fold.it - Solve Puzzles for Biological Science

Foldit is an innovative and interactive online game that translates game players’ efforts into real-life scientific research. One of the greatest obstacles that biological researchers face is figuring out the exponential number of possible structure of proteins, in regards to disease study. Foldit utilizes human puzzle-solving skills by allowing game players to use their intuition to predict protein structures. Foldit game participants play against each other, competing to fold the best proteins. The more information collected on the folding of proteins, the better new proteins can be created to combat certain diseases, such as cancer and AIDS. To compliment this theory, Foldit will soon introduce a protein design game, hence taking the protein folding prediction a step further by allowing players to design their own new proteins.

“Foldit is a revolutionary new computer game enabling you to contribute to important scientific research. This page describes the science behind Foldit and how your playing can help.”

Foldit is interactive and engaging, hence attracting and keeping players involved. It is incredibly resourceful and innovative, as it greatly decreases the amount of financing and effort typically expended on this type of research. Furthermore, participants may be inclined to regularly participate, knowing that their gaming efforts are going to a good cause.

What other biological research causes could benefit from Foldit? How can valuable players, such as doctors and professors, be reached to participate in this game? Could this website be marketed to universities or other educational institutions to increase participation by academia?