What is Folding @ Home?
Folding @ Home is a computing project, which uses distributed computing to research how proteins fold in order to develop new therapies. Most recently, Folding @ Home has turned its attention towards developing medicine, which can help combat illnesses including Covid-19 – with its latest contribution to COVID Moonshot.
In the past, the project has researched a number of life-changing illnesses, such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and forms of cancer but has most recently turned its focus towards SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid-19.
This article explains how Folding @ Home works and what you can do to help with research towards a cure for Covid-19.
How does it work?
The project utilises spare computing power from computers with extra capacity across the globe to complete tasks in the background, allowing extra power to work on completing research goals.
The software delegates simulation data called Work Units (WU) to other computers remotely for processing, which is then collected once complete to be assembled into a complete simulation.
The findings from these simulations help form the basis for new drugs to be sent to a lab for design, production and further testing.
What progress has been made?
Now with more processing power than even the world’s most powerful supercomputer, so far the project has seen previously unattainable insights gained through the detailed simulations performed.
These insights and corresponding data have already led to new developments in treatments and therapies against COVID-19.
How can you get involved?
To get involved, all you need to do is head to the Folding @ Home website and download the software. Your computer will run completely as normal, even after you’ve closed the web page, the only difference is you’ll be contributing to ending a global pandemic whilst you use it.
Our team is currently getting our spare machines up and running and so should you!
Also, if you have an innovative, new software idea that could change the lives of others around you and want our help, feel free to get in touch with us so we can help bring your idea to life.
