In the '90's two Utah physicists, from an unconfirmed accident in their lab, sprung the concept of "cold fusion" on the world. They announced it to the press, rather than the scientific base.

That, of course, is why our cars are now powered by a Mr. Fusion that we can drop any garbage into and they fly. We no longer are beholden to OPEC countries for oil, and of course why we'd never think of invading them.