Researchers at Michigan State University, led by Norbert Mueller, have developed a prototype engine that could replace old-fashioned internal combustion dinosaurs. The Wave Disk Generator is about the size of a crock pot, and uses wave-shaped chambers to compress and ignite fuel. Whereas conventional engines use 15% of their fuel for propulsion, the Disk uses 60% for propulsion with a 90% drop in emissions and potentially a 1000 pound drop in 
vehicle weight. Michigan State has received $2.5 million in funding, and hopes to have a car-sized version ready by the end of the year. You can read stories on the engine here and here, and see a video with Dr. Mueller here.
