Help Conquer Cancer

Summary
The Help Conquer Cancer (HCC) project researchers have published a paper describing their efforts in re-implementing their algorithms to take advantage of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware present in many of today's computer's. If the algorithms lend themselves to use a GPU implementation, this can dramatically increase their performance. Their work has led to the testing of a beta release of HCC using GPU hardware on World Community Grid. This paper discusses their experiences.

Paper Title:

"High-throughput protein crystallization on the World Community Grid and the GPU"

Abstract:

We have developed CPU and GPU versions of an automated image analysis and classification system for protein crystallization trial images from the Hauptman Woodward Institute's High-Throughput Screening lab. The analysis step computes 12,375 numerical features per image.

Using these features, we have trained a classifier that distinguishes 11 different crystallization outcomes, recognizing 80% of all crystals, 94% of clear drops, 94% of precipitates. The computing requirements for this analysis system are large.

March 11, 2012 10:27am
Coca-Cola Co and PepsiCo Inc are making changes to the production of an ingredient in their namesake colas to avoid the need to label the packages with a cancer warning.

The change will not be noticeable to consumers, according to statements from both companies.