So, I've just downloaded 'BOINC', which seems to be a really cool and helpful program to run on a computer or laptop you've got lying about.
BOINC (Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing) allows you to 'donate' your idle computer time to a science project of your choice, whether it be climate study, search for artificial intelligence or any other science related project (projects currently running are listed here).
I am currently helping Rosetta@home.
Here's what their project is about:
"Rosetta@home needs your help to determine the 3-dimensional shapes of proteins in research that may ultimately lead to finding cures for some major human diseases. By running the Rosetta program on your computer while you don't need it you will help us speed up and extend our research in ways we couldn't possibly attempt without your help. You will also be helping our efforts at designing new proteins to fight diseases such as HIV, Malaria, Cancer, and Alzheimer's"