Folding @ home: Researchers use your unused computing capacity. (Graphic: Shutterstock)
04.03.2020, 04:40 p.m.
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Your computer could help science find a cure for the corona virus. We explain what is behind it and how you can donate unused computing capacity.
The Folding @ home project, launched 20 years ago by Stanford University, is now also dedicated to the corona virus – and needs support. Folding @ home uses unused computing capacity to simulate protein folding. In this specific case, the scientists want to investigate how the 2019 nCoV virus attaches to the lungs of those infected with a protein. 2019-nCoV is a close relative of the pathogen Sars-CoV-2, commonly known as coronavirus. The information obtained with Folding @ home is intended to help develop medicines for the virus, which currently infected around 93,000 people and claimed 3,198 lives.
To donate your computing power to the scientists, you have to download and install the Folding @ home software. The program is available for Windows, macOS and various Linux distributions. “The data that we generate with your help is quickly and openly disseminated as part of an open scientific collaboration between several laboratories around the world and provides researchers with new tools that can open up new opportunities for the development of life-saving drugs,” explains biochemist Greg Bowman the project.
Coronavirus: Robert Koch Institute describes the danger situation in Germany as moderate
In the current risk assessment dated March 2, 2020, the Robert Koch Institute assumes a moderate threat to the German population. However, an increase in infections can be expected. In addition, a worldwide spread of the pathogen must be assumed. The German authorities are currently aware of 240 coronavirus infections. Almost half of those infected come from North Rhine-Westphalia. With a total of 48 and 44 cases, respectively, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are also relatively badly affected.
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