Brain implant allows completely “locked-in” patient to communicate
Locked-in syndrome is a rare condition that makes it impossible for the patient to move or speak, but are still conscious and can see, hear, and smell.
Germany
Sion solar electric car begins pre-production validation and certification
German startup Sono Motors has announced that 37 prototypes are being produced to take its solar EV family through validation and certification, ahead of planned production in 2023.
Germany aims to get 100% of energy from renewable sources by 2035
Economy Minister Robert Habeck has described the accelerated capacity expansion for renewable energy as a key element in making the country less dependent on Russian fossil fuel supplies.
Germany to dedicate 2% of its land to wind power development
If successful, the plan will add up to 10 gigawatts of new onshore wind capacity every year for the rest of the decade.
Assisted dying is rapidly becoming legal and accepted – currently in 11 countries and 10 U.S. states
Since 2015, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, New Zealand, Spain, the Netherlands, Colombia, Germany, Austria, Portugal, five Australian states, ten American states, and D.C. have legalized assisted dying.
Germany to return Mayan ancient artifacts to Guatemala and Mexico
The historic objects were discovered last year in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The owner says he bought them at a flea market in Leipzig in 2003 not knowing where they came from.
Indigenous peoples to get $1.7bn in recognition of role in protecting forests
The money will support the capacity of indigenous peoples and local communities to govern themselves collectively, assist with mapping and registration work, back national land reform and help resolve conflict over territories.
Germany elects first-ever transgender members of parliament
Tessa Ganserer and Nyke Slawik from the Greens part have made history in Germany as the first transgender women to win parliamentary seats in the recent national election.
Seven nations launch initiative to end new coal power
The Compact calls on nations to halt the construction of unabated coal-fired power generation projects by the end of this year. Initial signatories include Sri Lanka, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Montenegro, France, and the U.K.
mRNA cancer therapy now in human trials after shrinking mouse tumors
BioNTech, the German company that developed Pfizer’s covid-19 vaccine, is now testing whether mRNAs can treat cancer in humans. The treatment has already completely shrunk tumors in mice.