What Scientific Applications Will BG/L Run?
BG/L is not a general purpose machine. Its design is optimized to solve grid-based problems that are challenging in terms of the number of nearest neighbor communications that take place, as well as the amount of computational power required. A good number of these interesting and computationally challenging problems can be found in high-energy physics, molecular dynamics, and astrophysics. Protein folding is one of these key problems in the area of life sciences. Work on BG/L will help us understand and hopefully cure diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cystic fibrosis, and Mad Cow by looking at the functions that folded/misfolded proteins play in their development. Also on top of the list are simulations of the aging U.S. nuclear stockpile, which would mainly reduce the impractical need of testing nuclear weapons and ensure the safety and reliability of the nuclear supply. Applications that BG/L does not optimally deal with include problems where little or no communication takes place betw
