In what is perhaps a testament to the potential problem solving benefits of video games, a group of online gamers have put their skills to use in the cause of science and the good of humanity, solving a protein-folding problem that could lead to anti-HIV drugs, a problem that has stumped researchers for 15 years.

Attempting to harness the collective mind of the Internet, biochemists from the University of Washington created an online game in 2009, called Foldit. In this game, players compete and work together to fold proteins into three-dimensional structures based on the laws of physics. If the protein can be folded properly it reveals its actual three-dimensional shape, which helps tell researchers how it works.

A recent problem put up into the Foldit game was for a protein from the virus that causes AIDS in rhesus monkeys. Scientists have been trying to work out its proper three-dimensional shape for 15 years, but hadn't been able to piece it together.

With the problem solving skills of video gamers working together, the puzzle was cracked in a manner of days. The solution is confirmed to be correct based on testing.

According to a paper on this, "These results indicate the potential for integrating video games into the real-world scientific process: the ingenuity of game players is a formidable force that, if properly directed, can be used to solve a wide range of scientific problems."

And anyone who has been involved in games knows this is true. Video gamers are experts at figuring out ridiculous ways of accomplishing tasks, crazy methods of beating bosses, and ludicrous methods of breaking a game or smashing through its artificial boundaries. If you build it, the combined will of video gamers can circumvent it.

If those abilities can be harnessed for the power of good, like a mad wind generating the power to turn generators, there's no telling what could be accomplished.

Below is a link to the actual article. What I wrote above was just a summary in my own words.