In just three weeks, video gamers deciphered the structure of a key protein in the development of AIDS that has stumped scientists for years. According to an article published in the journal "Nature Structural & Molecular Biology," the findings could present a significant breakthrough for AIDS and HIV research.
Using an online game called Foldit, players were able to predict the structure of a protein called retroviral protease, an enzyme that plays a critical role in the way HIV multiplies. Unlocking the build of the protein could theoretically aid scientists in developing drugs that would stop protease from spreading.
To read more about how video gamers creatively developed such a scientific breakthrough: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2393200,00.asp