The mission of the free mobile game “Play to Cure: Genes in Space” is to collect a fictional substance dubbed Element Alpha, which represents genetic cancer data that might underpin certain types of cancer. Developed under the guidance of the Cancer Research UK, the game requires players to map their routes as they fly through space collecting Element Alpha.
The players are actually helping scientists spot patterns in gigabytes of genetic information from thousands of tumors. By finding the best route to pick up the most Element Alpha, players plot a course through genuine DNA microarray data. Players end up analyzing significant amounts of genetic data that would have taken scientists hours to do.
Play to Cure: Genes in Space
Free mobile game that uses the collective force of players to analyze real genetic data
Project Details
- Principal Scientist: Hannah Keartland
- Scientist Affiliation: Cancer Research UK
- Dates: Ongoing
- PROJECT TYPE: Data Processing
- COST: Free
- GRADE LEVEL: All Ages
- TIME COMMITMENT: Variable
- HOW TO JOIN:
Visit the “Play to Cure: Genes in Space” Web site and follow the links to download the game on your iOS or Android device.