Summary: Video Gamers Playing for Science! Episode 45 - by Stefanie Vogt (Click here to directly access the MP3) (Access the full text transcript) Far from being a waste of time, computer games have become a cutting-edge scientific tool. Scientists have enlisted the help of gamers to solve problems ranging from figuring out protein structures to identifying whale calls. Listen to the podcast to learn more… For more information on the Science Gaming phenomena: “Playing Scientist” by Dan Cossins. (2013) The Scientist 27(1):42-44. Predicting protein structures with a multiplayer online game by Cooper et al. (2010) Nature 466:756-760. Foldit website Phylo website Whale FM website Stefanie Vogt is a PhD student studying microbiology at the University of Alberta and an alumna of the 2012 Banff Science Communications Program. She has shared her love of science with thousands of kids by organizing science competitions, science activities in rural Alberta, and a science-themed Harry Potter Day. Follow her on Twitter: @StefanieVogt.
