Mint Energy has developed an extremely useful concept design, that could help spell the end of dead batteries. Their Rechargeable Battery combines the battery itself, and the charching mechanism all within the standard shape of an AA battery. Half of the object is filled with a rechargeable Ni-nH battery, and the other half contains a magnet based charger, that you simply shake to charge.
[via Treehugger]

The latest issue of Nature reports that researchers at MIT are working on a new kind of lithium super battery that could be fully charged or discharged in a mere 10 seconds. The miracle of ten seconds to full charge is an obvious benefit, but how about rapid discharge? Electric and hybrid cars could use the surge of power when rapid acceleration is needed. Ars Technica has the break down of the science behind this possible breakthrough here.
[also: BBC via Engadget]