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PS3 Owners To Simulate Gene Folding
fistfullast33l writes "According to IGN UK, the next version of Playstation firmware will include a joint venture from Stanford University and Sony called Folding@Home. Similar to the infamous SETI@Home project, Folding@Home will be an idle application that participates in a simulation that 'aims to map the way that genes change shape (or fold), so they can be studied by scientists and, potentially, cure illnesses such as Parkinson's or a variety of cancers.' The application will download a 'work unit' that it will unravel to completion, update Stanford's servers, and then download the next unit and continue." We've previously discussed the client; it will be available as an update at the end of the month, and should appear on your cross-media bar once installed.
Yes, and in case that isn't clear enough, you will also overheat your PS3, heat your house to the point that cooling is now necessary, and generally annoy your entire family by screaming 'no, it's folding!' when they want to play PS3.
Yeah, it somehow doesn't seem like a real great idea.
Computers seem like a good idea because we geeks tend to leave our computers 24/7 anyhow. Consoles don't get the same treatment, though.
"If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you." - DM
They haven't found any aliens.
I think your other statements are spot on, but there it is.
-Dave
So let me get this straight. I pay the energy bill for cycles used to crunch genetic mapping data that will be used by corporations to develop drugs for lifelong treatment (like they'd develop a cure when they could profit more from treatment?) so that when I'm sick, I can pay a few thousand dollars a month to afford the pills?
Just because the project is managed from a university doesn't mean the project, its goals and it's results are altruistic.
Okay, so save your money, and then when you need the drug you die, too bad..