A worthy cause for your PS3

[Javert]

For once, a gaming console can be put to good use besides playing games.

Stanford University has created a client that uses the Playstation 3 to predict protein folding behavior. Proteins folding uncorrectly leads to diseases including cancer. I highly recommend PS3 users to take a look and use it when you're not busy playing those awesome games.

The cost to you is the electricity it takes to keep the PS3 on. But the computing power can allow researchers to complete their calculations MUCH faster. There is also a PC version.

http://research.scea.com/2006-09-cureatps3/cureatps3.html
http://www.stanford.edu/group/pandegroup/folding/FAQ-PS3.html

Cure@PLAYSTATION3 is a client for the Folding@home� distributed computing network designed to run on PLAYSTATION3. The Folding@home project operated by Stanford University uses a large network of connected computers to simulate protein folding on molecular level. The results of the simulation are applied to medical research, specifically to understand the nature of serious diseases and eventually help to create cures. Please refer to the Folding@home WWW site for more information about the scientific background.

A PlayStation3 with the Cure@PLAYSTATION3 client installed and enabled by the owner will connect to the Folding@home network when the PLAYSTATION3 is powered on but not used. The software takes advantage of the superior computation capability of the Cell processor that powers the PlayStation3. The application, combined with a large number of contributing PLAYSTATION3 devices, will significantly accelerate the protein folding simulation process and therefore enable faster and more detailed medical research.

The Cure@PLAYSTATION3 client features an advanced user interface that utilizes the PLAYSTATION3 RSX graphics engine to visualize the simulation process. Users can view the protein as it "folds" in a 3D space. It is possible to rotate, zoom or move the users viewpoint in realtime. Various display modes and sound effects are available.

The Cure@PLAYSTATION3 client was developed by Sony Computer Entertainment in collaboration with Stanford University. The software is currently being tested and further optimized.

 

[rambler]

not that i could afford one but i really wouldn't do this anyway. leave your brand new ps3 on overnight to find it totally burnt out in the morning? i mean think about it, even if it doesn't burn out it will considerably shorten the lifespan of this thing.

 

[sHaDdoW]

not that i could afford one but i really wouldn't do this anyway. leave your brand new ps3 on overnight to find it totally burnt out in the morning? i mean think about it, even if it doesn't burn out it will considerably shorten the lifespan of this thing.

Leaving it on is less likely to break it then turning it off and on.

The shrinking and expanding breaks it.

Plus its mainly solid state components, electrons just flow through them, no harm done leaving it on.

In fact some high performance audio companies recommend leaving there electrical stuff on.


Just hope the ps3 doesn't get too hot.

 

[Deadline]

Do we have a team number for HL2.net ????

 

[Asus]

If there were more people then it would make sense to start a hl2.net team for folding. I just run it on my CPU and GFX card, no PS3 here. It's a good way to put to use all that computer power that you're not using. Doesn't interfere with any program or how responsive the PC is to the user (runs in idle mode).

If the PS3 were to burn up because of it being on all the time then either you put it in a bad place for ventilation or it's a faulty product.

 

[Cerpin]

Having lost my father to cancer, I fully support this and would be glad to join a team to help further the research of a possible cure.

 

[boglito]

[shameless plug]The number for the steampowered folding team is 50019...[/shameless plug]

.bog. - junior member of teh mighty steampowered user forums folding team

 

[Sainku]

I would join a team. this program used to make my computer crash when it first started, but its working fine now.

I thought there were complaints ps3 had trouble staying on for me than a few hours anyway. I can't see how this would work to well.

 

[Stigmata]

I leave my folding client running literally 24/7 unless I'm playing a very, very recent game (I'll leave it on for things like HL1, Simcity, etc.).

How many prospective peeps on our team? It's me and Asus so far, if we decide to make one.

[edit] For those who are unaware: PC Client Available Here

 

[Asus]

Here are some benchmarks showing what kind of performance impact it has.

 

[Raziaar]

EDIT: Nevermind.