Johannes Schneider may not have the coolest invention on this
list, but it sure is practical. The University of Mainz researcher
and his team developed an algorithm that broke the record
for fitting a given number of different-size discs into the
smallest circle. The algorithm improves on its competitors
(yes, there are competitors) in that it's better at detecting
false starts and backtracking when it hits on an inelegant
configuration. Schneider believes that his algorithm could
benefit packaging and shipping companies by helping them use
their resources more efficiently.