Nearly a year after NEC rolled out its paper-thin ORB batteries, Korean battery manufacturer Rocket is launching (ahem) its own uber-thin battery. While juicy, scientific details aren't readily available, we do know that the "paper battery" won't include any toxic chemicals, is "flexible and thin," and molds together the companies "thin film technologies" with its battery knowledge. The company hopes to entice heavy RFID users, smart card manufacturers, and "cosmetic / drug delivery system" providers to utilize the paper battery in powering the already-miniscule devices. Oddly, Rocket also envisions its new creation being used in "teeth whitening, anti-aging, and wrinkle care," though we're not exactly sure how electrifying a tooth will brighten your smile. Nevertheless, the company hopes to have its newfangled power source attached to crates and body parts real soon, and confidently assures us that it "doesn't cause explosions or fires." Phew. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]

We're not too fond of trips to the dentist, for all the obvious reasons (plus the fact that we still can't get the image of Steve Martin as the sadistic tooth-ripper in "Little Shop of Horrors" out of our head). But if more tools like the VELscope come onto the market, we may just start checking in with the DDS more frequently. The device, developed by LED Dental in Vancouver, uses fluorescent light that hones in on tissues that glow when abnormal cells show up. That can give the dentist an edge in fighting cancers early on, before they progress too far. The device isn't on the market yet, but is expected to sell for about $5,000 when it's released. Now if they can just find a way to replace those drills with a similar tool, we're all set.