TL;DR
GeneGuessr is a daily web puzzle that presents a 'protein of the day' and asks players to identify the gene that produced it. Players submit gene names, receive feedback cards that show how close guesses are, and can reveal locked hints by spending hint credits earned through guessing.
What happened
A new daily web puzzle called GeneGuessr publishes a 'protein of the day' sourced from the RCSB Protein Data Bank (PDB). Players may search for genes with an on-site search bar and submit a gene name as their first guess. Each submitted guess generates a feedback card; those cards include a percentage-style feedback bar indicating how close the guess is to the target and highlight matching properties. Hints are hidden under spoiler bars that can be unlocked at a cost of one hint credit; each guess grants +1 hint credit, and some spoiler bars remain locked when the hint would be too revealing. The interface shows a range of metadata fields for the target entry — including publication details, sequence length, tissue specificity, evolutionary epoch, clans, domains, molecular function, cellular component and biological processes — but many of these fields appear redacted in the public presentation. Players have up to ten guesses per round. The site links to sources and a privacy policy and was published at the provided URL on 2025-12-23.
Why it matters
- Transforms entries from the RCSB PDB into a daily, interactive identification exercise.
- Uses progressive hints and match-highlighting to teach players to recognize protein annotation patterns.
- Hint economy and a capped number of guesses encourage experimental strategies and careful use of feedback.
- Provides direct exposure to metadata fields common in structural biology annotations (e.g., domains, function, cellular component).
Key facts
- Source of targets: RCSB Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB).
- Players can submit gene names via a search bar to make guesses.
- Each guess produces a feedback card with a closeness percentage and highlighted matching properties.
- Hints are hidden under spoiler bars; unlocking a spoiler costs 1 hint credit.
- Players receive +1 hint credit for each guess they make.
- Some spoiler bars remain locked when a hint would be too obvious.
- Each round allows up to 10 guesses before the game ends.
- Target metadata fields shown (but redacted in the interface) include publication, length, properties, tissue specificity, epoch of origin, clans, domains, molecular function, cellular component, and biological process.
- The site includes links to sources and a privacy policy and is available at the provided URL.
What to watch next
- Whether the site will add user accounts, leaderboards, or social features — not confirmed in the source.
- Plans for expanding the puzzle set, frequency, or adding alternative difficulty modes — not confirmed in the source.
- Any future changes to how much target metadata is redacted or to hint mechanics — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- RCSB PDB: An open database of experimentally determined 3D structures of biological macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids.
- Gene vs. Protein: A gene is a DNA sequence that encodes instructions; a protein is the molecular product translated from a gene and often folded into a functional structure.
- Domain: A distinct structural or functional unit within a protein, often associated with a specific activity or interaction.
- Molecular function: A description of the biochemical activity performed by a protein at the molecular level.
- Cellular component: The location within a cell where a protein is active or localized.
Reader FAQ
How do I play GeneGuessr?
Open the site, view the 'protein of the day', use the search bar to submit a gene name as a guess, and review feedback cards and hints to refine further guesses.
Where do the puzzle targets come from?
Targets are sourced from the RCSB Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB).
How many guesses and hints do I get?
Each round allows up to 10 guesses; unlocking a spoiler bar costs 1 hint and each guess grants +1 hint.
Is there a leaderboard or account system?
not confirmed in the source
Is the game free to play?
not confirmed in the source
GeneGuessr – Daily Protein Guessing Game How to Play GeneGuessr Welcome to GeneGuessr! This is the protein of the day. Can you figure out which gene made it? You will…
Sources
- Show HN: GeneGuessr – a daily biology web puzzle
- Sort by: newest
- SalvatoreRa/ML-news-of-the-week
- VOLUME 157 • ISSUE 4 – mathNEWS – University of Waterloo
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