They're a little dated technically, but James Burke's Connections programs map relationships between seemingly inconsequential technical and scientific breakthoughs and society altering "inventions." A few segments into the original series, my notion that there existed some amorphous but thoughtfully interconnected scientific research melting pot was replaced with a (more) certain belief that the global research community is akin to a constantly spinning, un-programmed, metaphysical slot machine, where any combination of breakthroughs could line up at any time, with payouts of unknown value. In that context, I nominate Carbon Nanotubes as the "Wild Card" in the scientific research community one-armed bandit. The wheels have just begun spinning, but my bet is that Carbon Nanotubes - in combination with other breakthroughs - will fundamentally shift the mindset of what's possible in the nascent alternative energy sector. There's lots of info available on the fundamentals of Carbon Nanotubes, but this recent Science Daily article and related links serve well a primer on where the technology's at and where it could lead: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090320134041.htm