This morning I received the first newsletter from the folks over at World Grid Computing, along with a thank you not for participating in their mission to create the world's largest grid computer system.

First thing's first. Here is a brief explanation of Grid Computing: Grid computing joins together many individual computers, creating a large system with massive computational power that far surpasses the power of a handful of supercomputers. Because the work is split into small pieces that can be processed simultaneously, research time is reduced from years to months. The technology is also more cost-effective, enabling better use of critical funds.

Their first project donated idle CPU cycles to the Human Proteome Foldingt. In a nutshell: The Human Proteome Folding project provides scientists with data that predicts the shape of a very large number of human proteins. These predictions will give scientists the clues they need to identify the biological functions of individual proteins within the human body. With an understanding of how each protein affects human health, scientists can develop new cures for human diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, SARS, and malaria.

In their second year they are now introducing a new project to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS, FightAIDS@Home. What are you waiting for! Visit the World Grid Computer site, download the appropriate client for your platform, and join the BrownData team. Donate CPU cycles to your favorite project, and start to make a change in the world today!

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