Millions of gamers help advance gut microbiome research
Millions of gamers help advance gut microbiome research
Millions of gamers help advance gut microbiome research
By Rodielon Putol
April 20, 2024
Summary
Millions of gamers worldwide are transforming entertainment into scientific advancement through 'Borderlands Science,' a mini-game embedded within 'Borderlands 3.' Players align genetic sequences in the game, generating massive amounts of data that outpace traditional methods by orders of magnitude. This collaborative effort, involving researchers, game developers, and a Swiss IT company, harnesses gaming technology to decode the evolutionary relationships of gut microbes. Led by Jérôme Waldispühl, the project has redefined citizen science, engaging over 4.5 million gamers in meaningful scientific contributions. This pioneering approach not only deepens our understanding of the microbiome's impact on health but also exemplifies the potential of video games in solving complex scientific challenges.
Reference
Putol, R. (2024, April 20). Millions of gamers help advance gut microbiome research. Earth.com. https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-gamers-help-advance-gut-microbiome-research/