Foldit

Foldit icon

Foldit

Foldit is a crowdsourcing computer game that allows players to contribute to scientific research in the field of protein folding. Developed by the University of Washington, Foldit aims to harness the collective problem-solving skills of players to tackle complex scientific challenges.

History

Foldit was first introduced in 2008 as a way to engage the general public in protein folding research. The game has since gained popularity and has been used to solve a number of important scientific problems.

Gameplay

In Foldit, players manipulate virtual protein structures to optimize their stability and function. By solving puzzles and competing with other players, participants can help scientists better understand protein folding and potentially discover new ways to combat diseases.

Impact

Foldit has made significant contributions to scientific research, with players solving complex protein structures that had previously stumped experts. The game has been praised for its innovative approach to citizen science and its ability to engage non-scientists in important research projects.

Future Developments

Researchers continue to explore the potential of Foldit and similar games as tools for scientific discovery. By tapping into the collective intelligence of players around the world, these games have the potential to revolutionize the way scientific problems are approached and solved.