Gaming Cancer: How Citizen Science Games Could Help Cure Disease
Gaming Cancer: How Citizen Science Games Could Help Cure Disease
Gaming Cancer: How Citizen Science Games Could Help Cure Disease
Jeff Yoshimi
July, 1, 2025
Summary
Games captivate us because they tap into our evolutionary drive to solve problems. This same instinct powers scientific discovery, especially in complex areas like cancer research. By designing citizen science games that present unsolved scientific challenges, everyday people can meaningfully contribute. Games like Foldit and EteRNA have already led to real biomedical breakthroughs, including COVID-19 vaccine advancements. These games don't just help science—they educate players and inspire creative thinking. By merging gaming with scientific inquiry, we can crowdsource innovation, broaden participation in research, and potentially solve complex problems through collective, playful problem-solving. Even gamers can help fight cancer.
Reference
Yoshimi, J. (2025, July 1). Gaming cancer: How citizen science games could help cure disease. The MIT Press Reader. https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/how-citizen-science-games-could-help-cure-disease/