http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/science/29grid.html?_r=1&ref=technology
A team of researches is attempting to use people's idle computers in order to allow massive processing of a simulated primordial sea, similar to SETIs use of home computers. The goal is to eventually find evidence of evolution within the simulation and to learn about the biological structures of living things as a result.
While this seems far fetched, it may yield worthwhile results. Unlike analysis of actual biological material, the simulation allows for complete understanding. Every aspect of what happens can be monitored and understood, all without disturbing the simulation. Furthermore, given the complexity and length of the simulation, it may provide unexpected results in the form of digital "organisms." While obviously not physical creatures, these organisms would be separate from any human invention and would give credence to the concept of computer invention.
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That would be a pretty cool experiment. It could give completely different results compared to what is on Earth today. It could highlight all of the variability and complexity involved in evolution. This would also seem to be an original thought or result that the computer came up with based on certain given information. I would be really interested to see how it turned out.
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