According to ZME Science…

Scientists from University of Washington have been struggling for the past decade to decipher the complex structure of an enzyme that exhibits  behavior similar to that of an enzyme key in the development of AIDS from an HIV infection, and which might hold a critical role in building a cure for the disease. Gamers playing spatial game Foldit have managed to collectively determine the enzyme’s structure in ten days.

Wow! This is one of those stories that absolutely amazes me because it’s an example of how broadband does more than make things faster; it allows us to do new things, to solve old problems in new ways.

Clearly gaming and crowdsourcing are at the root of the success – but without broadband, the reach is limited. It also highlights the fact that we can/should/need to start looking at solving problems in different ways because we have these different tools. It means placing value on a whole new set of skills sets. It means tapping into collaboration in an entirely different way. At the root it also highlights the need to start teaching new skills – yesterday!