I recently ran into a 2009 Siggraph video on Vimeo. After giving the linked
paper a scan I had a quick look over Ke-Sen Huang’s list of 2009 Siggraph
papers on the web. I thought I’d give a quick run down of the papers that
struck me as being interesting and/or might be useful (at some point) to
Blender development.
Bear in mind that these are my interpretations, with limited technical
understanding of what the papers are about. I may be misconstruing things.
So buyer beware.
Gaussian KD-Trees for Fast High-Dimensional Filtering
A noise filtering technique which works with 2D images and 3D objects.
Coordinates for Instant Image Cloning
A speed-up of Poisson area cloning (used in Photoshop) which eliminates
flicker and allow real time video cloning. Impressive video with cloned
whale swimming.
Semantic Deformation Transfer
Transferring an abstract of a mesh deformation from one to another. So you
take the deformation of the knees of a human shaped mesh and are able to
manipulate and transfer the essence of the deformation to a flamingo’s knees
(they face the other way). I think.
Photogrammetric Texture Mapping using Casual Images
A method of texturing objects using images obtained from everyday
photographs. Some of the results look quite nice but the humans are a bit
disturbing; result of a poor base mesh.
Mixed-Integer Quadrangulation
Looks like an interesting method for converting a triangle mesh into a quad
one.
Contact-aware Nonlinear Control of Dynamic Characters
This talks about a locomotion system (walking and running) for dynamically
simulated characters but with mocap data used for control. 
Preserving Topology and Elasticity for Embedded Deformable Models
Stretchy rubbery things with varying stiffness and embedded materials. Nice
video, includes a liver getting prodded.
Deforming Meshes that Split and Merge
Thick gooey rubbery substances. Basically toffee simulation. One of the
authors is some Nils person.
Single Scattering in Refractive Media with Triangle Mesh Boundaries
Simulates looking through a multifaceted transparent object, like a cut
diamond, producing multiple squashed and distorted versions of the same
image.
Moving Gradients: A Path-Based Method for Plausible Image Interpolation
Allows for smooth play back of lower frame rate video amongst other things.
Numerical Coarsening of Inhomogeneous Elastic Materials
Objects composed of materials with different elastic properties stretched
and squashed using a proxy mesh.
Video SnapCut: Robust Video Object Cutout Using Localized Classifiers
An interactive keying system for moving images. Removes the need for uniform
coloured backdrops (blue/green screen). Proog makes an appearance.
Modular Bases for Fluid Dynamics
Fast fluid simulation using precomputed tiles to build a whole system. Fast
to run but the precomputation takes over a day.
Deformable Object Animation Using Reduced Optimal Control
Keyframe animating using physical methods. Uhm, that’s all I’ve got.
Energy-Preserving Integrators for Fluid Animation
Simulates viscocity in fluids.
iWIRES: An Analyze-and-Edit Approach to Shape Manipulation
A powerful but possibly confusing editing methodology. Bits of a model are
analysed and grouped with other parts, via symmetry for example. Move one
bit and the associated parts move too. It’s a bit like parametric modeling?