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Gamers crack retrovirus (ie: HIV) enzyme

Posted on: September 19, 2011 - 9:04am

Vastet

Posts: 13254

Joined: 2006-12-25

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Gamers crack retrovirus (ie: HIV) enzyme

Online gamers crack AIDS enzyme puzzle
September 19, 2011 - 3:27PM

Online gamers have achieved a feat beyond the realm of Second Lifeor Dungeons and Dragons: they have deciphered the structure of an enzyme of an AIDS-like virus that had thwarted scientists for a decade.The exploit was published on Sunday in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, where - exceptionally in scientific publishing - both gamers and researchers are honoured as co-authors.Their target was a monomeric protease enzyme, a cutting agent in the complex molecular tailoring of retroviruses, a family that includes HIV. Figuring out the structure of proteins is vital for understanding the causes of many diseases and developing drugs to block them.

Quote:

To the astonishment of the scientists, the gamers produced an accurate model of the enzyme in just three weeks.

Article continues:
http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/online-gamers-crack-aids-enzyme-puzzle-20110919-1kgq2.html

Enlightened Atheist, Gaming God.

Posted on: September 19, 2011 - 1:41pm #1

Wonderist

Posts: 2479

Joined: 2006-03-19

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Neat.