Crowdsourcing science - you can have fun while helping science research

Have you checked out any of the crowdsourced science web projects yet? Some of them are even 'gamifying' their projects to make them more fun and presumably keep participants engaged for longer.

It really started with Galaxy Zoo, a site where you help astronomers classify galaxies. The idea that you could be the first person to see some of Hubble's images is pretty amazing.

A new project from the Zooniverse is Planethunters.org, where you can help find your very own exoplanets!


Here's my first (possible) identification of planets, around dwarf star APH42143445:

There are 11 different projects in Zooniverse, including deciphering whalesong, translating ancient Greek scrolls, supernovae search, and more.

Then there's Fold.it, where you help scientists unravel protein molecules. in fact, game players managed to unravel a puzzle that had stumped scientists for years.

So if you've got some time spare, instead of turning on the tele, why not try your hand at some real science?