A participatory experiment to advance breast cancer research
Challenge achieved in 139 days! RESULTS. On 3 October 2022 the app will be closed momentarily. It is time for the analysis of the collected data.
#GenigmaChallenge
On 27 January 2022 we launched an app to collect data collaboratively. We have been looking for for regions of the genome that play a key role in the establishment and development of cancer.
VIDEO Challenge
What is GENIGMA?
GENIGMA was an experiment, a game and a challenge! The more people collaborate, the faster we made progress in this research.
VÍDEO experiment
RESULTS of the Challenge
We continue with #GENIGMAEUREKA
For what
We started with breast cancer. We wanted to obtain a reference genome specific to the T-47D cell line, a very valuable tool for advancing new treatments.
VIDEO interview Roni Wright
The game
We were looking for DNA altered sequence. We used human logic to produce scientific results.
On 3 October 2022, the app will be momentarily closed to allow the scientific team to focus on the analysis of the data collected.
Weekly challenge
Playing time
Cards to collect
Genes to rearrange
We formed a global citizen research team to advance breast cancer research
Every week we have published a report with the RESULTS of the games. On 3 October 2022 the app will be closed momentarily. It is time for the analysis of the collected data.
The scientific challenge
Our research team uses the laws of physics and evolution to develop and apply computational methods to predict the three-dimensional organisation of the genome and the non-coding RNA molecules that regulate it.
Playing with real data
The genome fragments we provide to the players come from laboratory experiments performed on the T47D (breast cancer) cell culture.
Read more.
Outperforming the machines
Humans can find better solutions than machines. Algorithms don’t always get it right. People can do better because the order of the pieces is something visual and we are better at this than algorithms.
VIDEO Marc Martí-Renom
Different game strategies
Each piece of the game represents a real DNA fragment. The goal is to rearrange the pieces and try to get the highest score possible to identify how the genome has been rearranged in cancer cells after undergoing different mutations.
VIDEO Alícia Hernández
Do citizen science with us!
Everyone can collaborate, you don’t need any previous knowledge to play. Citizen science gives you the opportunity to collaborate in a real investigation with your skills, whatever they may be.
Looking for EUREKA fragments
Together we will find those fragments that are not in the correct position in relation to healthy cells. Identifying the position of these fragments and their function is necessary to understand how cancer develops and to move towards more effective medicine.
VIDEO Eureka
Read more.
Seeking collective solutions
A priori, there is no a right answer. We work collaboratively to find solutions from the consensus. The solution will come with the maximum score achieved on the same game by many people.