Ms. Jessica Quenzer shared some covid research activities that her class is sharing in. First off, FoldIt, an online protein folding modeling game that uses group think and citizen science, has been investing Covid19 proteins. The games have a practical application goal of developing antivirals based on the Covid19 protein spike. Players use modeling software to design molecules that may likely fold and bind to the target. The most promising solutions will be manufactured and tested at the University of Washington Institute for Protein Design in Seattle.
Second, every Wednesday for the past three weeks, Rockefeller University has been hosting talks on Zoom about coronavirus research. Rockefeller scientists critique newly published journal articles about covid. This week's topic was about the efficacy of surgical masks in containing covid transmission. Students receive the article in advance, and they can ask questions during the session. This gives them a rare real-time opportunity to learn about and analyze brand-new data with an immediate, relevant use. (The surgical masks seem to help block covid transmission. Cloth mask usefulness still to be determined!)
