I would highly recommend using folding@home and mining Curecoin. It works on GPUs or CPUs and can also mine separately on ASICs (different payouts for different devices). It is simple to run - very easy to customize usage levels (CPU only, Graphics only, don't use while your using your computer etc.) and the work you do goes towards helping to find a cure for major diseases like Alzheimer's, Cancer etc.
No it doesn't... This is fundamental research on protein.
So basically it is at best 15-25years before any chance of a practical application and even a lot longer before a cure to anything.
Not mentioning the way the research proceeds, examining any protein found in some particular case expecting there is a relationship
with a particular illness.
But clearly deserves an A+ for the publicity stunt