unemployment insurance

My case: NIW 485 pending, RFE finished, name check clear, PD less than 4 months. Will loose job soon since the production ramp down. Seems that I could get the unemployment insurance.

Question 1: If I take the unemployment insurance, is there any impact on my 485 approval?

Question 2: If I can not find the new job soon, I would like to do some research (in NIW related fields) in the university as a volunteer (no pay). Is it helpful just in case I will be asked for the RFE again or interview?

Thank you very much for your help.