How Folding@home Works
Distributed science, step by step.
1. Proteins are dynamic
Proteins constantly move and change shape. These motions determine whether they function correctly or cause disease.
2. Motion is computed in tiny steps
Simulations advance atom positions one tiny time slice at a time. Millions of steps are required to see meaningful behavior.
3. Work is distributed globally
Folding@home splits simulations into work units and distributes them to volunteers around the world.
4. Your computer runs a work unit
Your CPU or GPU processes a small slice of the simulation and returns results securely to the network.
5. Results advance real research
Aggregated results help scientists understand disease mechanisms, identify drug targets, and publish peer-reviewed research.