March 14th 2025

Author

Max Gray
March 14, 2025

The Daily Innovation Newsletter

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March 14th 2025

💻 Technology

Cognixion, a US-based startup, has developed Axon-R, a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) headset that helps ALS patients communicate using brain signals. The device uses EEG to detect visual attention on an augmented reality (AR) display, allowing users to select words or phrases, which are then spoken or displayed. Unlike invasive BCIs, Axon-R is completely external and personalized with AI for faster speech generation. Currently in clinical trials with 10 patients, the technology could provide a vital communication tool for those with neurodegenerative conditions.

⚡️ Energy

Scientists from Central South University in China have developed a high-temperature molten-salt method to regenerate degraded lithium-ion battery cathodes, restoring 81.2% of their original capacity after 200 cycles. By incorporating potassium chloride (KCl), the process enhances ion exchange and mass transport, enabling full recrystallization and repair of structural defects. This innovation could significantly improve lithium battery recycling, addressing the growing issue of battery waste while reducing environmental impact. The research is published in Advanced Powder Materials.

🌎 Sustainability

Boston Metal has successfully produced over a ton of steel using its molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) process, marking a key step toward commercializing carbon-free steel production. Unlike traditional methods that release significant CO2, this approach uses electricity to refine iron ore, emitting only oxygen. If powered by renewable energy, the process could eliminate steelmaking's massive carbon footprint, which currently accounts for up to 9% of global CO2 emissions. The company plans to scale up production by 2026 and license the technology to steel manufacturers worldwide.

Danish company European Energy has successfully produced its first batch of e-methanol at the Kassø Power-to-X facility, marking a major step in decarbonizing industries that cannot rely on direct electrification. Using renewable energy and biogenic CO₂, the plant will ramp up production to 42,000 tons annually, providing a sustainable alternative for shipping, aviation, and the chemical industry. E-methanol can be used as a clean fuel or raw material, supporting Europe’s transition to net-zero emissions.

💊 Healthcare

MIT researchers have developed a technique to directly convert skin cells into motor neurons without first turning them into stem cells. Using three transcription factors and two proliferation genes, the method increases neuron production by 1,100% compared to existing techniques. This breakthrough simplifies gene delivery and enables large-scale neuron generation in just two weeks. If applied to humans, it could revolutionize treatments for spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. The study is published in Cell Systems.

Scientists at EPFL’s .NeuroRestore have developed a breakthrough system that combines spinal cord stimulation with rehabilitation robotics to restore movement in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The implanted neuroprosthesis delivers precise electrical pulses in sync with robotic-assisted movements, enhancing muscle activation and promoting long-term recovery. In a study of five patients, the approach enabled voluntary movement even after stimulation was turned off, demonstrating its real-world potential for walking and cycling. This innovation, published in Science Robotics, could transform rehabilitation and mobility restoration for paralysis patients.

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