Why Humans Fold Proteins.

OK, I guess I need to step back for a moment. 

Some wonder how we are helping science by playing a game.  It seems like we aren't doing anything a computer can't do faster.  Nature doesn't need us to fold proteins.  Empirical science looks at nature to inform theory.  Just how are we helping?

This is the solution the first introductory puzzle.  All one has to do is move one of the side chains away from the other.   Once one gets past this first introductory puzzle the Actions menu has a button, "Shake Side chains", that will do it automatically.  It's a simple move.  Just how are we helping?

As it turns out, even simple proteins are quite complex.  Proteins are composed of a chain of amino acid residues.  There are twenty two standard amino acids and many non-standard amino acids.  Living cells use the process protein synthesis to build the various proteins of life encoded in DNA.  Science hasn't learn how to predict the way any particular protein will fold and the process is computationally complex.

When humans play FoldIt  they are using idealized versions of natural processes to fold models of proteins.  The game scores the folded protein based upon the energy left in it where the lower the energy the higher the score.  Intermediate positions are recorded and the sponsors of the game can use this to improve their model of how proteins fold.  We are solving a problem in what appears to be less steps that mathematics predicts it should take.  Being able to replicate that process even if it isn't understood will make designing proteins to fight diseases a reality.