Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Do not write off anyone addicted to computer games

I am always fascinated by anyone who is really good in something, even if that something has a bad image as a result of public perception. Even Mat Rempits have something entertaining to show, if only they do it in the right places. Street-wise kids are so independent and self-reliant that they can not only look after themselves, but able to use their instincts at times of emergency involving others. In terms of knowledge of street routes, those who have been 'roaming the streets' are able to find the quickest way. Just compare this with a 'goody two shoes' who leads a sheltered life, always obeying instructions, and you can get my drift.

Anyway, a common problem with students these days is the addiction to computer use and computer games. Rules are generally set to prevent students from spending too much time at the computer, or more recently, with their mobile phones. There is a stark contrast between someone who uses the computer occasionally and another who spends much more time at it. Generally, the one who is more exposed is likely to be well versed with all kinds of games and for some, even excelling in them. These are the people who might not do well in their studies, but could be useful to games manufacturers because of their wide knowledge and skills. They could be employed to test out prototypes before they are fine-tuned to be manufactured and sold in the market.

Now, the skills of computer gamers have been harnessed for use in medical research! This is most wonderful, for them, as well as their parents who are likely to have cringed at the thought of their children having no useful careers! Here is the story...

Video gamers contributed to breakthrough research for what illness?
http://www.howtogeek.com/trivia/video-gamers-contributed-to-breakthrough-research-for-what-illness/

Answer: AIDS


"In 2008 scientists at the University of Washington’s Center for Game Science and Department of Biochemistry entered into a collaboration to create a game where players would contribute to research projects. The end result of their collaboration was the popular game Foldit; players play the game by solving protein model puzzles. From the perspective of the player the game is just a quirky and fun puzzle app, but from the perspective of the scientists analyzing the results it’s an incredibly efficient way to crowd source complex protein folding projects.

An excellent example of Foldit’s power for quickly solving complex problems is that of the Mason-Pfizer monkey virus retroviral protease. In 2011 Foldit posted the protease problem as a puzzle on the site for a three week window. Players were able to collaboratively produce an accurate model of the enzyme in just ten days–successfully modeling the enzyme had stumped scientists since its discovery fifteen years earlier. The 3D model created by Foldit players was published in the science journal Nature and went on to be used in the computer modeling of antiretroviral drugs."

Link

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