Breakthrough points to wearable batteries

Scientists at Fudan University in Shanghai have achieved a breakthrough in research on high-performance fiber batteries that could see people using their clothes and backpacks to charge mobile phones and watches.

They have designed samples of leather and canvas bags that look no different from ordinary ones but are embedded with the flexible fiber batteries. Jiang Haibo, a researcher on the team, said such a bag can wirelessly top up a mobile phone battery's charge by 20 to 30 percent in half an hour.

Such technology may also provide effective power for heated suits that could be used in winter, the researchers said.