I've always thought that the correct answer to "How can someone solve a Rubix cube in less than twelve seconds?" was "Dark, dark magic." But apparently it's actually "Science!"
At least that's what this Numberphile video (posted by the folks at Laughing Squid) suggests:
Attribution(s): "Rubix Cube" from Peanut Dela Cruz via VisualHunt.com (CC BY).