i think the most promising research is atmospheric ionic thrusters.
sure they have little to do with vacuum per se but if you could improve them enough to build a sort of cavity with lower pressure inside while providing upwards thrust, essentially directing air streaming into the cavity whereever you want to direct it to, you could both have your cake and eat it. it would be a very good insect trap and a highly efficient way to get rid of excess electricity quickly. perhaps you could also fix the ozone layer with this...
sure they have little to do with vacuum per se but if you could improve them enough to build a sort of cavity with lower pressure inside while providing upwards thrust, essentially directing air streaming into the cavity whereever you want to direct it to, you could both have your cake and eat it. it would be a very good insect trap and a highly efficient way to get rid of excess electricity quickly. perhaps you could also fix the ozone layer with this...
;)