"Scientists from University of Washington have been struggling for the past decade to decipher the complex structure of an enzyme that exhibits behavior similar to that of an enzyme key in the development of AIDS from an HIV infection, and which might hold a critical role in building a cure for the disease. Gamers playing spatial game Foldit have managed to collectively determine the enzyme's structure in ten days."
""Just like any drug you can never get enough," says Olivia, a 50-year-old British author who describes the frightening experience of "living to play a game". In the depths of her addiction, her physical and mental health were at a low and she accumulated over £30,000 (US$37,500) of debt from in-game micro-purchases.
In some cases, gamers can forget to eat or sleep, losing jobs and relationships in the process. In one incident in South Korea, a newborn starved to death while her parents gamed, and last year a 12-year-old Australian boy killed himself amid a gaming addiction."
"In China, children are allowed to play for only one hour per day, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
But many gamers around the world say that their playing helps their mental health.
Mike Dailly, who created Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto, said the benefits were varied.
"I'm not sure it's something that's measurable with a single 'well-being' state," he said.
"As is everything in life, it's a balance.
"Spend 24 hours a day playing, that's not good - but spend 24 hours a day eating or working out, that is also not good.""
"The problem, he believes, is that total decentralization inevitably increases wealth inequality. He pointed me to a simulation he designed last year in which bouncing balls demonstrate the theory that "the rich actually always get richer, no matter what." "