Friday, November 11, 2011

Phylo Game -- Phylling in the Genetic Blanks

Sorry for taking the last few days off.  I've been working on a citizen science-type project of my own and it's been taking up a lot of time.  But I certainly haven't forgotten about this blog, and I certainly haven't been spending the whole time playing video games.  Well, only one game.  But I swear it's on topic!

Photo Courtesy: OpenScientist.org and McGill University

This week I'm looking at Phylo, a citizen science game created by researchers at McGill University in Quebec.  Their goal is figuring out how genetically similar various species are to each other by examining similarities in their DNA.   To do this, segments of DNA that perform the same function are analyzed to determine how similar they are to each other.  Although their function is the same more differences will emerge the more distantly related they are to each other.  So a genetic segment performing the same function in both a human and monkey should be much more similar than the same segments in a human and a dog.  Computers have previously analyzed these segments but human eyes (and brains) are even better at pattern recognition.  So we should provide much better answers, and we might as well have fun doing it as a game.

Getting Started is Easy:

  1. Visit the Phylo Game web page and learn more about the science behind the game.
  2. Now that you're familiar with the scientific value of the work, prepare for the Game functions on the Play screen.  Click on Login/Register to create a profile.  All that's needed is a user name and password so no need to worry about providing private information.
  3. Now you're ready to learn the interface...just click "Tutorial" from the Play screen for a quick introduction.  Basically, you will see two animals with a line of genetic code with each DNA segment represented by a colored block.  Align as many blocks as possible while minimizing empty space and mismatched blocks (see the picture below for a real example from the game).  The better the match the higher the score.  Just make sure to do be fast and finish each one before time runs out!
  4. As you get better the sequences will get tougher.  And you can add additional species to each level.  But don't give up as it gets more difficult.  That's where the best science can occur.
Photo Courtesy: Openscientist.org and McGill University

That's all there is to this simple yet important game.  But don't just take my word for it.  Stop by the site and start playing around.   Enjoy!

    10 comments:

    1. New Year is nearby and you all must be busy in its celebrations, its preparations, plannings and everything, some must be even hyperventilating and worried about how to celebrate it, what to do and what not to do,

      website

      ReplyDelete
    2. We dont store your Facebook username/email/password in any form on manner. Your account will just be logged in to our server one time for generating access token and thats it.
      We just need your Facebook credentials to get some information about your account, like your name, username, date of birth, latest posts/statuses/photos etc.

      ReplyDelete
    3. Facebook auto followers of wefbee auto tools helps you to increase unlimited facebook auto followers. You can use wefbee FAF daily to increase your facebook profile followers free and fast and become vip user of fb.

      website


      ReplyDelete
    4. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here!If you're looking for the best Things to do in the world, this list has something for everybody! From adventure to culture, food to history .

      ReplyDelete

    5. This was an outstanding piece of content. I really liked it. I'll be back to see more. Thanks!

      Also visit my webpage - 대구오피
      (jk)

      ReplyDelete
    6. The Rajasthan Board 12th Bit Bank and Question Bank are important for students since they provide a solid example of how to solve papers effectively. BSER 12th Model Papers are excellent resources for learning how to answer problems effectively. RBSE 12th Question Paper Rajasthan Board 12th Guess Paper 2022, collect the small answer Solved Questions, Subject wise vital Repeated Questions from all subjects and prepare well to gain the Best Grad Score from all previous exams. We have covered all topics here. Question Papers for Exams Download

      ReplyDelete
    7. Maharashtra Board 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Class Syllabus 2023 helps the Students get an idea of the Different Subjects and Chapters that will be Covered during that Academic year 2023, Students MSBSHSE 6th Class Syllabus Studying Maharashtra 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Class Revised Syllabus 2023 helps Students to Learn Logic and order and hence, Maharashtra 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Class Syllabus 2023 Provided here is same as Published by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) on its official website, www.mahahsscboard.in. Our Portal will be Prepared According to the MSBSHSE 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Class Syllabus 2023 Prescribed by MSBSHSE for Marathi, English, Hindi Medium.

      ReplyDelete
    8. After reading your lovely post which talks about Phylo Game. I enjoy your content, which is why I spent an entire night reading your other wonderful post; because of your wonderful content, I forgot to finish my law coursework work. Please help me by offering law coursework writing service if you are able. I truly require this service.

      ReplyDelete