I can never get my head around bitcoin miners. They spent huge amount of energy to find the right combination of 1s and 0s which can be converted to legal tende

I can never get my head around bitcoin miners. They spent huge amount of energy to find the right combination of 1s and 0s which can be converted to legal tender. Would it not be more beneficial for this energy be spent for science or medical research? Am I too cynical? edit: spelling & grammar