Computational Tools for Biology: Sandboxes to Think and Play With

Explore the intersection of game design and nanotechnology in this 30-minute conference talk from the InterPlanetary Festival 2018. Dive into the world of computational tools that introduce innovative ways to play and think, focusing on the collaboration between biophysicist Shawn Douglas and designer Chaim Gingold. Learn about their project Gelbox, a simulation and visualization tool for teaching Gel Electrophoresis, and discover how it evolved from earlier work in transforming laboratory practices and designing interactive simulations. Gain insights into nanotechnology, DNA as a building block, and the complexities of gel electrophoresis. Understand how simulations can bring invisible phenomena to life and streamline problem-solving in scientific research. Explore the challenges of interpreting gels, the importance of troubleshooting in science, and the potential future applications of DNA technology in curing diseases.

The similarities between game design and nanotechnology.
Description of simulation game spore and how it takes place over many different scales
Discussion of project Earth Primer that takes simulation and packages them in various forms
What is nanotechnology?
How to make useful tools out of nature’s building blocks
Why to take DNA out of the cell and use it as a building block
How to use DNA for nanotechnology
Explaining science to others
Inspiring others to collaborate with each other
New tool that involves simulation and what happens in a research lab
Subject of gel electrophoresis such as how it’s used to solve crimes with DNA
Connecting molecules in sample tube with gels
Band patterns which are different molecules with different characteristics which cause them to migrate differently
The difficulties in interpreting gels
How to get the same band with a different molecule
Running gels is like baking which relates to chemistry
Troubleshooting in science is how you get answers which is why it’s incorporated into this new tool.
Simulations bring invisible phenomena to life with simultaneous linked views
Streamline problems with gels to create a working mental model which creates faster results
What additional elements can affect the particles running inside the gel with experiments in the lab?
Is the simulation model tied to empirical data or a made-up model that approximates it?
What is the timetable for curing diseases through DNA?