Dundee agency Guerilla Tea has teamed up with Cancer Research UK to launch a new smartphone game which helps scientists answer some of cancer’s toughest questions.
The company worked with Cancer Research UK’s scientists to develop Play to Cure: Genes in Space, where people will be able to help unravel gene data.
When playing the interactive spaceship game, people will simultaneously analyse Cancer Research UK’s gene data, highlighting genetic faults which can cause cancer, and ultimately helping scientists develop new treatments.
Players must guide a fast-paced spaceship safely along a hazard-strewn intergalactic assault course to collect precious material called Element Alpha.
Each time the player steers the spaceship to follow the Element Alpha path, this information is fed back to Cancer Research UK scientists, cleverly providing analysis of variations in gene data.
Scientists need this information to work out which genes are faulty in cancer patients.
Each section of gene data will be tracked by several different players to ensure accuracy.
Hannah Keartland, citizen science lead for Cancer Research UK said: “Not only is it great fun to play but every single second gamers spend directly helps our work to bring forward the day all cancers are cured. We urge people to give five minutes of their time where and whenever they can.”
To find out more or download Play to Cure: Genes in Space visit genes-in-space.org