DreamLab app, launched by Vodafone Foundation and The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an innovative approach that allows users to contribute in finding a cure for cancer by crowdsourcing their smartphones’ computing power. DreamLab automatically downloads and solves research problems. Then, it sends the results back to the Institute.
The supercomputing resources available at Garvan is limited. So, it teamed up with Vodafone foundation for research and sped up the process of genetic information analyses. DreamLab aims to create the nation’s first “smartphone supercomputer“. And if 100,000 users pooled their phones’ processing capabilities, researchers would be able to crunch data approximately 3,000 times faster than the current rate, the Institute said.
For Vodafone Australia customers, the data to use DreamLab is free on the Vodafone network in Australia. For everyone else, the charge will be as per your mobile or WiFi plan for the data you contribute.
How DreamLab works
DreamLab app uses the collective processing capacity of smartphones to crunch numbers and compare genetic profiles of tumours. Consequently, the app operates only when your phone is fully charged and charging. It analyses data for breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers. Then, it sends the information back to the Garvan Institute — one of Australia’s foremost genome mapping organizations.
Dreamlab app requests access to your photos, media, files permission so that it can temporarily store the tiny research problems while your phone processes and solves them. It will only access the files it has created in the files directories. It does not need access to any of your private information or photos.
How to use DreamLab
- Download DreamLab App from here.
- Choose the amount of data you want the app to use (It is free for Vodafone Australia customers)
- Connect your phone to the internet.
- Charge your phone to 100%.
- The app then performs its share of computation on your smartphone to help solve cancer.
What do you think of this innovative app that lets users help find new ways to treat cancer? Are you looking forward to providing your smartphone’s processing capacity for cancer research? Let us know in the comments below.
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