Computer Gamers solve AIDS problem
Pretty interesting article.
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2011/09/18/computer-gamers-solve-problem-in-aids-research-that-puzzled-scientists-for-years/
I keep asking myself " Are they just playin' stupid, or are they just plain stupid?..."
"To explain the unknown by the known is a logical procedure; to explain the known by the unknown is a form of theological lunacy" : David Brooks
" Only on the subject of God can smart people still imagine that they reap the fruits of human intelligence even as they plow them under." : Sam Harris
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That's pretty amazing. Actually, it seems like a stroke of genius in problem solving methods. There are a sea of gamers and problem solvers from all over the world, and tapping into them not as consumers but a viable resource for scientific research is awesome. I find it humorous that some of us think videogaming is a complete waste of time, but here are some of these gamers cracking incredibly difficult problems. The scientists also deserve as much credit for presenting their problems in the form of a game that can be approachable by anyone.
Ya, it's kind like the infinite number of monkeys typing away at Shakespeare. Except these gamers are collaborating with each other.
I agree, what a brilliant move to assign these gamers to try and unravel the problem.
I keep asking myself " Are they just playin' stupid, or are they just plain stupid?..."
"To explain the unknown by the known is a logical procedure; to explain the known by the unknown is a form of theological lunacy" : David Brooks
" Only on the subject of God can smart people still imagine that they reap the fruits of human intelligence even as they plow them under." : Sam Harris
At least you got a response. When I posted about this a month or so ago I don't recall getting one.
Enlightened Atheist, Gaming God.
I obviously missed you posting it.
I think this is a great example of human ingenuity.
Yay, opposable thumbs!
I keep asking myself " Are they just playin' stupid, or are they just plain stupid?..."
"To explain the unknown by the known is a logical procedure; to explain the known by the unknown is a form of theological lunacy" : David Brooks
" Only on the subject of God can smart people still imagine that they reap the fruits of human intelligence even as they plow them under." : Sam Harris
So you know, I was trying to bump the topic to get more input but couldn't come up with anything to add that I hadn't already said. It didn't work so well.
Enlightened Atheist, Gaming God.
My opposable thumbs are only good for pressing the space bar
"Obviously I'm convinced of the existence of G-d. I'm equally convinced that Atheists who've led good lives will be in Olam HaBa going "How the heck did I wind up in this place?!?" while Christians who've treated people like dirt will be in some other place asking the exact same question."
I use mine to snap my fingers, and point at my chest while grunting by the fire. How else would I sign/grunt "I" if not for opposable thumbs?
"Don't seek these laws to understand. Only the mad can comprehend..." -- George Cosbuc
I used to think that computer games are such a waste of time before. I could not even think they were the ones who will accidentally discover such an amazing breaktrough.
+1
I played FoldIt a few times, then got bored. Who'da thunk it would do real science?!?
"Obviously I'm convinced of the existence of G-d. I'm equally convinced that Atheists who've led good lives will be in Olam HaBa going "How the heck did I wind up in this place?!?" while Christians who've treated people like dirt will be in some other place asking the exact same question."