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March 15, 2007 7:02 AM PDT
PS3 power requested for research project
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According to a release from Sony, the Stanford program is focusing on how two-dimensional protein strands in the human body fold into the three-dimensional molecules that determine their biological functions, and why incorrect folding can lead to debilitating diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
But studying the folding process is an extremely complex task requiring vast amounts of computing power, Sony said in its release. Hence the PS3/Folding@home initiative. PS3 participants will be able to lend their console's massive processing power to the effort, much as PC users are able to assist in the SETI@Home project, which is seeking to identify extraterrestrial life.
PS3 users are expected to be able to start lending their machines to the project on March 23, accessing Folding@home via the PS3's XrossMediaBar, the console's interactive menu system. Once participating machines are connected to the project and idle, Folding@home will tap the devices' unused processing power. Users will be able to watch the scientific simulations in real time, Sony said, as well as interact with the research by manipulating protein strands.
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work being done by projects like Folding@home is extreamly
important work that could one day save your life, the life of your
spouse, child, grandchild, etc. So being asked to contribute in a
way that at no point will impare, impede, or reduce your
gamming experience or cost you extra money is not a big
request. Remember, the difference between your PS3 and a
computer is more of a matter of firm and software than of
hardware. If you don't want to contribute fine, be an ass,
nobody cares. However, don't critize the idea/project because
you are unwilling to be a little generous.
As for Sony, who gives a **** if they are getting a little press off
of this. It doesn't matter. The important part is the research
being done.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with the concept of
distributed computing, let me give you a primer. Basicly, if I
have a project that requires astronomical computing power I
have two options. I can one, spend millions of dollars that are
not in my research budget to purchase the computers nessacery
or two, I can write a program that others can download and let
their computers crunch the data in packets it their downtime.
Because, maybe you don't realize this but, most computers
spend about 12 to 16 hours a day idol while the owners are at
work or sleeping. If you want to talk about wasted money, think
about the power loss from running a computer when you are not
using it for up to two thirds of the day.
In short, volunteering for a project like Folding@home, wether
you are on a PC, Mac, PS3 or a home built machine, costs you
little or nothing above and beyond what you are already wasting
so quit your complaining. If you don't want to participate, fine
but, don't be an ass about it if others do.
Oh and just for reference, because I know this question is going
to come up, I do not own a PS3 because I don't have the money.
However, I do run SETI and Einstein@home on my desktop. I do
not run Folding because I think that running two projects on my
machine is enough and, as I am in physics, I prefer to run
projects that are applicable to my field directly.
God forbid we use our toys for some actual good in the world.
I wonder how long before they take advantage of the new Geforce GPUs in this or a similar project.
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by ajlelo
July 27, 2008 9:54 AM PDT
- I wrote a blurb on this a couple of years ago when I was associate editor for a lab magazine. My thought was that it was a way to get involved and contribute to the good of humanity while still gaming. From the reactions here, I guess I underestimated the level of self-involvement pervasive in the world today. I'm glad to hear that you are contributing your "idle" time for something positive.
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See all 30 Comments >>I personally don't play video games of any kind at all. (I waste enough time watching TV and on my laptop.) I wasn't aware that I could contribute in any other way than through a PS3. Do you have any info on other projects that are compatible with other platforms? (Specifically, my laptop.)