Videogame players help to decode retrovirus enzyme structure

A University of Washington study has utilised the analytical abilities of videogame players to help decode the structure of a retrovirus enzyme.

Scientists have organised online players to take part in a specially created game called Foldit, through which they were able to collaboratively work on predicting the structure of protein molecules from the Aids-like virus.

Having failed in several attempts to decode this structure themselves using automated programmes, the university team saw the gamers solve the problem in three weeks using their 3D spatial abilities.

This discovery could play a key role in discovering how the Aids virus matures and proliferates, as well as showing the potential of involving games enthusiasts in real-life science projects.

Dr Seth Cooper, of the University of Washington department of computing science and engineering, said: "People have spatial reasoning skills, something computers are not yet good at. Games provide a framework for bringing together the strengths of computers and humans."

Aids research remains a key area of medical research, with NHS figures showing that an estimated 83,000 UK adults aged over 15 were living with HIV in 2008, with more than a quarter being unaware.