This is actually a concept very well known in Quantum Mechanics.  The fact that space is constantly full of particles and anti-particles (so, for example a virtual muon and a virtual anti-muon) coming in and out of existence annihilating each other.  Here comes the fun part...

A recent experiment did one of the harder things in Physics and decided to take this theory out for a test drive.  The article is (new window) here at Physorg.com.  It's very much worth the read for science freaks and even amateurs.

 Basically, they have gotten photons from the vacuum; from NOTHING!  It's an extremely neat experiment that this team has designed and conceived of.  What it does is add further foundational stonework to this Quantum Mechanical Theory that was first fully put together by (new window)  John Wheeler.  Read up on him; he did a lot of great work for science and of course had brilliant ideas.

 Hopefully, you can find this as interesting as I do!  BTW, if you do wish to keep up with your scientific world, from every corner of science: biology, chemistry, nanotechnology, medical both tech & bio, etc...  This is the site for you: (new window) www.physorg.com