Google DeepMind announced a new game today. This game tackles protein folding. It is called Foldit. Players solve puzzles about how proteins twist and fold. Protein shapes are vital. They control how our bodies work. Scientists need to know these shapes. Understanding proteins helps fight diseases. It helps create new medicines. DeepMind made this game. It builds on their AlphaFold technology. AlphaFold predicts protein structures. It was a major scientific breakthrough. The game uses similar ideas. But it presents them as fun puzzles. Anyone can play Foldit. No science background is needed. Players manipulate digital protein models. They compete for high scores. They also collaborate. Players find the most stable shapes. Their solutions help real science. Researchers can learn from player strategies. This could speed up discoveries. Foldit makes complex science accessible. DeepMind hopes many people join. Gamers and curious minds can contribute. The project merges gaming with biology. It aims for big health impacts. Foldit is free to play. It is available online now. Players use their computers. They download the game client. DeepMind shared the news. They see it as a powerful tool. It crowdsources human problem-solving. The game could unlock new biological insights. Protein folding remains a huge challenge. Foldit offers a fresh approach. It leverages human intuition. This complements computer predictions. DeepMind believes players will achieve great things. The game is live worldwide. People can start folding proteins immediately.

(Google DeepMind develops protein folding game)