| Posted: January 9, 2007 |
Cutting edge nanotechnology education using games |
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(Nanowerk News) London-based computer games development studio PlayGen and global nanotechnology consultancy Cientifica have announced the availability of the playable demo of NanoMission™.
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NanoMission™ is a cutting edge engaging learning experience which educates players about basic concepts in nanoscience through real world practical applications from microelectronics to drug delivery. The demo of the first module, nanomedicine, compels the player to select a suitable vehicle to deliver an anti cancer compound, and then navigate through the bloodstream to the site of the tumour, while avoiding the bodies’ natural defence mechanisms.
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“Nanomedicine is an area that has caused a great deal of excitement but has also been tragically misrepresented”, commented Cientifica CEO Tim Harper. “the nanomedicie challenge within NanoMission illustrates how nanoscientists are learning from nature to produce viable drug delivery mechanisms for today’s market”
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Professor Mark Welland FRS of the University of Cambridge added, “It is extremely important that as nanotechnology is introduced into an increasing range of products the real benefits are understood by all. This game is a great example of how the positive message of nanotechnology can be disseminated to schools.”
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PlayGen are relying on partnerships with organisations such as the Royal Society of Chemistry to ensure the game meets the educational community requirements. The National Physical Laboratory is the latest member of the game’s scientific advisory board, bringing world class expertise in the challenges of measurement at the nanoscale and use of virtual worlds for science communication and knowledge transfer.
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“Working with the scientific community has enabled us to develop NanoMission based on real science rather than science fiction”, notes Kam Memarzia, PlayGen’s managing director adding “We firmly believe computer games have a far greater role to play in today’s society, especially in promoting learning & understanding the real world around us.”
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