Advanced scientific instruments disguised as toys

We’re launching a single molecule sensing device, the demonpore 64™, marketed as a gaming console. You fill a reservoir with real cells and molecules, which go through nanopore sensors, generating signals that let you play games as part of vast, distributed experiments.

Described by one enthusiastic fan as "the coolest citizen science project I've ever seen", the demonpore 64 will advance science with games that range from classic arcade-style fun to puzzle, strategy, and role-playing formats. The data collected will enable innovation and discovery across many disciplines, including astrobiology, aging research, genomics, carbon capture, molecular gastronomy, veterinary science, agriculture, neurobiology, synthetic biology, and drug development.

Some examples of the molecular games we’ll play together with the demonpore 64:

Dragon Tyrant Must Die!™: the game that represents our epic quest to end aging, named in homage to Nick Bostrom's classic Fable of the Dragon Tyrant. Players will begin with method development for detecting and characterizing molecular and cellular hallmarks of aging.

Molecules of Mars™: the molecular game of astrobiology, where players will study nanopore sensing with (e.g.) Martian regolith stimulants, novel biochemistries, and cyanobacteria.

2021: A SARS Odyssey: Players will use only non-toxic, non-biological molecularly defined surrogates that model the differences between related viruses, and the algorithms developed by the network will enable FDA-approved solid-state viral diagnostics in our 2nd generation instruments.

Poop of the Gods™: Explore the sacred stinky! Yes, players will put their own (filtered) poop into the reservoirs and study nanopore translocation signals from cells and molecules in fimo, with relevance to virtually every aspect of biomedicine.

For more info check out https://wefunder.com/demonpore