The third step is that as we become ever more committed we begin divergently wandering further afield looking for the key that will crack the problem.

FORBES: The Pittsburgh Six: The Template for Innovation

The Hong Kong researchers hope to crack the problem by comparing the genomes of super-high-IQ individuals with the genomes of people drawn from the general population.

WSJ: The Search for the Genetics of Intelligence

WifiSLAM, which is roughly two years old, is among a slew of technology companies trying to crack the problem of how to detect a mobile-phone user's location when the user is indoors and traditional GPS technology doesn't work.

WSJ: Apple Buys Indoor GPS Specialist

But in the bigger picture, the petrol-from-air idea joins a legion of others that are trying to crack the far bigger problem of storing energy produced by renewable sources.

BBC: Petrol from air: Will it make a difference?

Debates have raged as to whether the drop in the city's crime is due to more accountability within the police force, improved economic conditions, or addressing their crack cocaine problem.

BBC: Will crime maps work?