All Images


News Release 11-197

On-line Gamers Succeed Where Scientists Fail, Opening Door to New AIDS Drug Design

Molecular structure of retrovirus enzyme solved through "Foldit"

This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

Screenshot of the unsolved monkey virus protein Foldit puzzle.

The "unsolved monkey virus protein" Foldit puzzle, highlighting the tool used by online gamers.

Credit: University of Washington


Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (276 KB)

Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.

Screenshot of showing parts of protein structure that can be moved around by Foldit players.

Foldit players have control over which parts of proteins they'd like to move around.

Credit: University of Washington


Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (229 KB)

Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.

Screen shot of a Foldit introductory level tutorial for hydrogen-bonding.

A Foldit introductory level tutorial for hydrogen-bonding; the player needs to move strands.

Credit: University of Washington


Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (208 KB)

Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.

Screenshot of an active Foldit puzzle where leaderboard shows top score of each player/team.

A screenshot of an active Foldit puzzle. The leaderboard shows the top score of each player/team.

Credit: University of Washington


Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (325 KB)

Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.

Screenshot showing how protein structure is reshaped by Foldit players.

Foldit players use a variety of tools to interactively reshape various regions of proteins.

Credit: University of Washington


Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (212 KB)

Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.

Screenshot showing empty space, large red void, in a protein's center.

Foldit "freezing:" a large red void in a protein's center shows empty space.

Credit: University of Washington


Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (246 KB)

Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.