Scientists working for Lockheed Martin Space Systems Advanced Technology Center have developed a new solder material that uses nanotechnology.  The main material in this solder is copper, thereby addressing the issues tin whiskeys and meeting RoHS requirements.  A full article describing the technology can be found on phys.org. 

No word as to when this may be a product available to the masses. 

While not directly applicable to new wire technology, engineers at Canterbury University of New Zealand recently created a method for generating extremely long arcs [link].  They did this by suspending a tiny gauge wire and then applying a high voltage.  It is almost worth taking the time to see the photos they have of their experiment – an almost straight glowing arcing.

This process should come as no surprise to those who have shorted with a small gauge wire.