Researchers at the University of Tokyo have invented a sandwich of electronics that can charge any (suitably equipped) device placed on them. The technology overcomes a drawback of most induction charging schemes that either supply only a low charge or require a highly concentrated charging point by sensing the presence of devices and directing the electrical flow appropriately. [kurzweil]

If you’re a discerning geek who can’t be satisfied with an action figure that’s anything but unique, the Vicale Corporation lets you configure your own with a handy-dandy Flash configurator. [boingboing]

There is enough idle electrical capacity in the United States’ grid to power all the cars and light trucks in the country, if everyone switched to plug-in hybrid-electric cars. Sure, the power would still be generated by fossil-fuel burning plants, but would be used with a higher overall efficiency and lower overall emissions, the studies’ authors claim. [treehugger]

I don’t have a wood stove (or live in a cold climate) but if I did I would so buy the Heat Wave fan. It pushes 300 cubic feet of air per minute, and requires not an erg of external power. The secret sauce? It’s driven by a Stirling engine.

Modafanil and other sleep-modification drugs are on the Christmas lists of American military planners this year. The ability to deny sleep without suffering the side effects of sleep-deprivation would be a significant force multiplier. [boingbiong]