This article presents three reports of research advances. The first report describes a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based computer that could lead to faster, more accurate tests for diagnosing West Nile Virus and bird flu. Representing the first "medium-scale integrated molecular circuit," it is the most powerful computing device of its type to date. The new technology could be used in the future, perhaps in five to ten years, to develop instruments that can simultaneously diagnose and treat cancer, diabetes, or other diseases. The second research advance report describes the discovery of a previously unknown molecular mechanism in which the active ingredient in marijuana may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Kim D. Janda and colleagues at Scripps Research Institute used laboratory experiments to show that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhibits amyloid fibril formation and preserves brain levels of the key neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The third research advance report describes a new wound dressing that could bring the benefits of maggot therapy to patients without putting live Greenbottle fly (blowfly) larvae into non-healing wounds. (Contains 5 figures.)