Cancer Research UK And Social Apps: Using Big Data Technology
Have you wondered how you can use the latest technology to spread awareness on cancer? CRUK (Cancer Research UK) have thought this through and used big data technology to enhance research.
One of the key goals for cancer charities and their members is to raise awareness about cancer and its effect on patients and their families. They also want to encourage people to know the signs to watch out for and checks that they can make to spot cancer early to receive treatment as soon as possible. More and more people are using technology to achieve this, adopting new technology to spread their messages. Cancer Research UK has launched a pioneering new mobile phone game that goes one step further – helping to research faulty genes.
Genes in Space has been making waves amongst a whole host of players. It reaches out to different audiences and actually makes a difference in the search for a cure. It uses a simple ‘mission’ story – to collect a fictional element called ‘Alpha’ by making flights through space. Along the way you have to avoid asteroids and shoot them to clear your path. You can use the Element Alpha you collect to trade for points and then upgrade your ship’s look and equipment (shields, weapons and engine).
The game was developed during a 48 hour ‘game jam’. Contributors included programmers and designers from illustrious companies and institutions such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, City University and Omnisoft. A ‘game jam’ is a race in itself – developers come together to create something from nothing in a short space of time.
The game uses over 2 million pieces of data, collected from 2,000 cancer patients from the UK and Canada. Each route played and each piece of ‘Element Alpha’ collected uses the data to create a new genetic pattern; something that would take scientists hours and hours. Importantly, the game play is transferred back to scientists at two key points: each time you map your route and when you fly the spaceship through the course to collect the ‘Element Alpha’. The information is analysed to detect ‘hot spots’ in faulty genes.
Generations And Social Media Use
This game has an ‘old-school’ feel to it – reminiscent of the arcade games of the 1980s which have kept their charm and still appeal to youngsters, who might only be discovering them now through social media sharing. The higher purpose element to the Genes in space game means it is more likely to be downloaded by people who aren’t typical ‘gamers’. It is free to download as an app onto your mobile phone and is available from Google Play for android phones and the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads.
The research gathered in the game app could be done by scientists in a laboratory somewhere, but this would have taken many man hours – much of the data would need to be sifted through and analysed by eye. By harnessing people’s interest in doing something practical and coupling it with something fun, research towards a cure can be done cheaper, quicker and in a way that engages the general public whilst enhancing social media sharing for awareness. Through technology it raises awareness of the cause, of the ways that cures are being sought and really drives home the need for us all to get involved.
Social media is such a powerful tool – Genes In Space on YouTube alone received 105,377 views in a short amount of time; successfully promoting the game and spreading the word further. In addition, it is clear to see that social media sharing has helped to translate gigabytes of data into information that scientists could use to create new cancer treatments, and potentially a cure. The world simply needs this type of technology and social use to continually be developed.
CRUK look forward to receiving your help in generating research for the future and if you would like to see more ways in how you can donate to Cancer Research to help funding for research do visit the Cancer Research Donate page to find out more.
[image error]
