# Human-mouse brain hybrids and climate tech pioneers under 35 Stanford's chimeric brains and MIT's climate innovators push scientific boundaries - **Source:** [MIT Technology Review](https://www.technologyreview.com) - **Published:** 2026-09-17 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7d3602c2-fda9-43c6-8604-d695173d10a1 ## Human-mouse brain hybrids Stanford researchers created mice with nearly half their brain volume replaced by human cells. The team genetically modified mice to prevent full brain development, then injected human brain organoids. This builds on their previous work showing human brain tissues can survive and function in rodents. The hybrid brains could help study human neurological conditions but raise ethical questions about interspecies experimentation limits. ## Experimental methodology Scientists tracked modified mice in arenas using multiple cameras and computer monitoring. The Pong-like movement traces helped observe behavioral impacts of the human-mouse brain hybrid. This precise tracking allows researchers to study how human neural tissues integrate with rodent systems. The team hasn't disclosed specific behavioral differences observed in these chimeric mice compared to normal rodents. ## Medical research implications The hybrid brains could revolutionize study of human brain injuries and diseases. By creating living models with human neural tissues, researchers can observe disease progression and test treatments in real-time. However, the work pushes boundaries of bioethics regarding consciousness and species identity. Stanford hasn't revealed whether they've established clear limits for how much human tissue can be integrated. ## Climate tech innovators MIT Technology Review's 35 Under 35 list features nine climate-focused innovators tackling critical challenges. Their projects range from novel lithium extraction methods to energy-efficient steel production. Other breakthroughs include solid refrigerants and AI optimization for reduced energy consumption. These diverse approaches reflect the expanding scope of climate technology solutions. ## Breakthrough technologies The climate innovators developed practical solutions like converting invasive weeds into useful materials and tracking pollution more effectively. One created a cleaner, cheaper steel-making furnace while another improved food waste recycling. These innovations address both mitigation and adaptation aspects of climate change, showing technology's role across the environmental spectrum. ## Industry transformation The climate tech projects target heavy industries like manufacturing and materials production. By focusing on steel, refrigeration, and critical minerals, the innovators address sectors responsible for significant emissions. Their work demonstrates how technological innovation can decarbonize traditionally 'hard-to-abate' industries through both incremental improvements and radical redesigns. ## Research trends The climate projects reveal a shift toward practical, scalable solutions rather than theoretical research. Many innovations focus on improving existing industrial processes rather than creating entirely new systems. This pragmatic approach suggests climate tech is maturing from conceptual stages to implementation-focused development with immediate commercial potential. ## Future directions The human-mouse brains and climate innovations represent two frontiers of scientific progress. While one explores biological boundaries, the other tackles environmental crises. Both raise important questions about research ethics and practical applications. Together, they demonstrate how interdisciplinary approaches are solving some of humanity's most pressing challenges. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/09/17/1144314/the-download-mice-part-human-brains-climate-tech-innovators/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._