Play to Cure: Genes in Space
A game that uses real genetic data to help fight cancer
APP DETAILS
Developer – Cancer Research UK
Age – 9 years +
Subject – Biology
Price – Free
App Store Link - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/play-to-cure-genes-in-space/id784643890?mt=8
Play Store Link – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.guerillatea.elementalpha
Windows Store Link - Not Available
App Review
Using a space game to beat cancer seems like a strange thing to attempt but that is exactly what Cancer Research UK are doing through their app Play to Cure: Genes in Space. It appears that we are very good at collecting genetic data but not so good at analysing it. Scientists have to spend hours painstakingly analysing the genetic faults in cancer samples looking for clues that will help them develop new treatments.
Genes in Space incorporates this genetic data into a game format. This allows everyone with a mobile device to participate in this vital research. The great thing is that the more people who play the game the quicker the data gets analysed. Cancer Research UK believe that having more eyes on the data will not only speed up the process but it could also generate more accurate results.
The Game
The app uses the premise that a mysterious substance has been discovered in the voids of deep space. Dubbed Element Alpha, this substance can be refined for use in medicine, engineering and construction and the Element Alpha industry has just exploded galaxy wide.
As an employee of Bifrost Industries, one of the biggest traders of the substance, your job is to collect as much Element Alpha as you can and trade it for upgrades to your spacecraft to help you manoeuvre the asteroid filled space course.
How This Helps Beat Cancer
Element Alpha is really the genetic cancer data that the app has translated into an interactive, asteroid-strewn intergalactic assault course. By collecting Element Alpha and navigating your spaceship through the cosmos you are actually finding the significant genetic changes which assist scientists to discover cancer causing genes and develop new life saving treatments.
Unlike most games the question of whether it is any good or not is really secondary to the potential benefits. That said, people will probably only continue to play it if the game is entertaining. My impression after having played it is that the developers have done a really good job of making an authentic game from what is basically cancer data. There is certainly an addictive quality about it (hallmark of many great games apps) but it can also be quite monotonous. It would be great to see more challenging game play added as players progress through the levels.
Play to Cure: Genes in Space is free to download and does not contain any adverts or in-app purchases. It can be used offline but will upload and download level data using your 3G or wireless connection when available. It is a fun little game to play in short bursts and knowing that you are helping with vital research makes it feel like time well spent.
Peter
Educational App Advice
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