• New Contest Starting Now! This Target Haunts Me

    Tell us about the one that got away, the flier that ruined your group, the zero that drifted, the shot you still see when you close your eyes. Winner will receive a free scope!

    Join contest

Solving RNA folding puzzles

ssgp2

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
May 9, 2004
917
15
62
montreal,Canada
Nature’s best kept secret is a wonder molecule called RNA. It is central to the origin of life, evolution, and the cellular machinery that keeps us alive. In this Lab you’ll play the role of a molecular engineer by solving RNA folding puzzles. Then take your skills to Eterna, where you can design RNAs that could be at the heart of future life-saving therapies.


RNA Lab | NOVA Labs | PBS


 
Ok, as someone who is still quite addicted to video games, I really like this idea - put the millions of us sloths staring at a computer screen to some productive use. It's educational, useful, and might just be a bit of fun. Great idea for generating recipes. Using the statistics, having millions of users, you can skim the top 1% and probably get some really good stuff out of it just based on volume. What is that saying about infinite monkeys and typewriters producing Shakespeare?
 
Crowdsourcing folding is a brilliant move! I remember when there was a SETI@HOME approach to solving protein folds, but this game-like approach is a winner.
 
I just started, got through about 10 puzzles in as many minutes. Pretty fun - I am looking forward to learning more of the advanced methods including desired energy states and whatnot. Lot of room for learning here. Great interface.