Dry cell battery myth needs busting...

[KarTek]

Does anyone know if keeping new batteries in the refridgerator helps them stay fresher longer? I've never personally done this but I heard about it from someone else who swears by the practice. I guess the cold may slow down the degradation but I'm not sure...

I know batteries have a longer shelf life these days but I've also personally witnessed new, unused batteries at work start leaking and die after sitting on the shelf a couple years.

Any ideas?