Features

The Project

The most ambitious chemical research program in history is currently being undertaken jointly by the National Foundation for Cancer Research, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford and United Devices. The aim is to investigate approximately 3.5 billion different compounds, in order to discover those which may be effective in the treatment of various forms of cancer, and it is hoped, lead eventually to a cure.

The research is carried out by a small, but efficient computer program that was specially created for the task. The program is designed to operate virtually unattended on an ordinary desktop computer, just like the ones to be found in many households and offices. Essentially, it is a robot which starts up automatically the moment the computer is switched on, then gets on quietly with its work in the background. Much of the time, the average PC has plenty of spare capacity, and it is this that is utilised by the robot. If any other programs are being run on the computer, they take priority over the robot, which takes a back seat and does not interfere with them or slow them down to any noticeable extent. It is so well-behaved that it is easy to forget that the robot is even present!  Perhaps once a day,the program needs to send its results to the United Devices server via the Internet, and collect a fresh task. Normally this takes only a few minutes, so the online costs are negligible. The program contains some superb graphics which show you rotating images of the molecules that your computer is currently working on. The graphics can be turned off if you don't want to see them. In fact, it is better to dispense with the graphics, to free up more processing power for the task in hand!.

The scale of the project is truly immense, so that a large number of computers are required for its completion. At the time of writing, there are some 1.5 million+  of them working on this task, in over 200 countries worldwide. Their combined computing power dwarfs that of even the most powerful supercomputer. Even so, if the project is to be completed within the shortest possible time, more people are required who are willing to run the program on their computers, at home or at work.

It is earnestly hoped that you too will participate in the Cancer Project. No technical knowledge is required on your part, other than the ability to download & install the program. It is very easy to do and takes only a few minutes. You can find further details by clicking on the United Devices logo. This will bring up the Cancer Project page, which contains a "Download" link, thereby enabling you to obtain the necessary software, which is free of charge..

Teams
Many of the volunteers are organised into teams of selfless, like-minded individuals, who can communicate via forums to discuss the project, compare notes, exchange opinions, and offer mutual advice and assistance when required, all in an atmosphere of friendly rivalry. Whilst team membership is not obligatory, it is a most benefical and satisfying alternative to working in isolation, and is to be recommended.

There are many  teams, all competing keenly for new members. One such team, "The Optimists", is particularly recommended. Their "Visitors" page contains much useful information, and many of the questions which you may wish to ask have been anticipated and answered. Furthermore, the team members would be delighted to help you, even if you decide not to join them! Click on "The Optimists" logo to view their page.

Author: F.D.Johnson    <davidws2@jotaho.idps.co.uk>