Anna Daniels
There’s another science-focused title taking on the challenge presented by the coronavirus. Foldit, part puzzle game and part research tool, is encouraging players to help design a protein that could bind with COVID-19’s spike protein. This would, theoretically, halt the infectious nature of the virus. Successful designs are sent to be tested at an actual lab in Seattle, Washington.
Basically, Foldit is trying to crowdsource research that could lead to a cure. According to the game’s FAQ, “The more we know about how certain proteins fold, the better new proteins we can design to combat the disease-related proteins and cure the diseases.” The player base has tackled the novel challenge presented by the coronavirus, working together in group chats and on message boards to share possible solutions.
While Foldit usually promotes healthy competition, the site is now asking players to band together to research the tricky protein puzzle that could help end the pandemic.
Written by: Looper
