Phone game to help beat cancer
Wednesday February 5th, 2014
Players of a new smartphone game will be helping with cancer research, it was announced yesterday.
For
every more the new "Genes in Space" games will also help scientists
analyse genetic data, researchers said.
It was released yesterday by Cancer Research UK.
'Play to Cure: Genes in Space' is a free game which will be available to people around the world with an Android or Apple Smartphone. Players of this interactive spaceship game will be simultaneously analysing genetic data, looking for genetic faults linked to cancer.
The game consists of guiding a fast spaceship along an intergalactic assault course, to collect precious material called 'Element Alpha'. Following the correct path helps in the analysis of variations in gene data. This contributes to the identification of cancer genes that can later be targeted with personalised treatment.
"Our world-first Smartphone game is simply out of this world," says Hannah Keartland of Cancer Research UK. "Not only is it great fun to play, but every single second gamers spend directly helps our work to bring forward the day all cancers are cured.
"Our scientists' research produces colossal amounts of data, some of which can only be analysed by the human eye - a process which can take years. We hope thousands of people worldwide will play Play to Cure: Genes in Space as often as possible, to help our researchers get through this data.
"We urge people to give five minutes of their time wherever and whenever they can - whether they're waiting for their bus to arrive or they're in the hairdressers having a blow dry. Together, our free moments will help us beat cancer sooner."
The game was developed at a Cancer Research UK event in March 2013, attended by scientists and games technology academics.
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