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CNRS


A promising molecule against chemotherapy-induced neuropathies

A research team has identified a molecule that can prevent the onset of peripheral neuropathies caused by chemotherapy, which are common and persistent neurological complications. The molecule promotes cellular energy production and nerve cell resilience, reducing painful symptoms without affecting cancer treatment.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 29, 2025

Towards light-controlled electronic components

Scientists have discovered how to generate an electron gas by illuminating a material made of layers of oxides, enabling light-controlled electronic components. This breakthrough could lead to applications in spintronics and quantum computing, with potential energy savings of up to a third of electrical contacts on computer processors.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 10, 2025

Collaboration between academic research and business to better grasp environmental issues relating to the uranium mining cycle

The M-Cube associated research laboratory combines micron-level visualization tools with precise mineralogical and geochemical analyses to identify new avenues for optimizing the mining cycle. The collaboration aims to reduce the environmental impact of uranium mining sites and better understand the mobility of radioactive descendants.

SourceCNRS·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2025

The oldest shell jewellery workshop in Western Europe

Researchers uncover pierced shells and pigments from Châtelperronian period, indicating a genuine workshop for jewellery manufacture. The findings suggest long-distance trade networks or significant human mobility, shedding new light on cultural variability of the time.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2025

Menstrual cycle and long COVID: A relation confirmed

Research confirms bidirectional relationship between long COVID and menstrual disorders, with symptoms intensifying during perimenstrual phases. The study suggests an inflammatory reaction as the underlying cause, paving the way for new therapeutic prospects tailored to women.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2025

Tuberculosis vulnerability of people with HIV: a viral protein implicated

A study by the CNRS-led research team highlights the key role of Tat, a viral protein that blocks autophagy, promoting Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival and multiplication. Restoring autophagy mechanism could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for better protection against tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

Human impact on the evolution of domestic and wild animal body size has intensified in the last millennium Open Breadcrumb configuration options

Researchers found that human selection and environmental changes led to a synchronous evolution of domestic and wild animal body sizes over the past 7,000 years. However, in recent centuries, human impact has intensified, causing wild species to shrink while domestic animals have grown larger.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 2, 2025

Obesity: the unexpected role of astrocytes

Astrocytes, long-neglected brain cells, are found to modulate behavioral flexibility and whole-body metabolism in mice with obesity. Researchers from CNRS and Université Paris Cité discovered that manipulating astrocytes in vivo can correct cognitive changes and influence metabolism.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2025

James Webb Space Telescope discovers its first exoplanet

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured the direct image of a previously unknown exoplanet, TWA 7 b, located within a disk of rocky debris and dust. The exoplanet is ten times lighter than previously captured ones and more similar to Earth than gas giants.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

The chemical basis for life can form in interstellar ice

Researchers at CNRS have discovered that chemical intermediates of the citric acid cycle can form spontaneously in interstellar ice. This finding suggests that the raw materials necessary for life could be present in space and potentially delivered to Earth.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2025

Organic molecules of unprecedented size discovered on Mars

Researchers have detected unprecedentedly large organic molecules on Mars, containing up to 12 consecutive carbon atoms. These findings provide valuable insights into the planet's potential for life and pave the way for future interplanetary science missions.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

A research-corporate collaboration for green hydrogen production

Research teams at Alcal'Hylab joint laboratory are working on designing next-generation materials for boosting green hydrogen production, combining the benefits of alkaline water electrolysis and polymer membrane technology. The goal is to produce ultra-pure gas with high yield while minimizing carbon footprint and pollutants.

SourceCNRS·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2025

First detection of an ultra-high-energy neutrino

The detection of a single muon from a cosmic neutrino interacting with the ARCA detector provides compelling evidence for the origin of the event. The ultra-high-energy neutrino has an estimated energy of 220 PeV, opening a new observational window on the Universe and expanding our understanding of high-energy phenomena.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2025

Influenza virus genome: finally discovered in its coat

The researchers have revealed the precise positioning of RNA molecules and their interactions with the protective coat. This breakthrough enables the design of new drug molecules capable of binding to the protein coat, weakening viral RNA and inhibiting influenza virus replication.

SourceCNRS·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 16, 2024

How 70% of the Mediterranean Sea was lost 5.5 million years ago

Scientists analyzed chlorine isotopes in salt extracted from the Mediterranean seabed to identify two phases of the Messinian Salinity Crisis. The event resulted in a massive loss of up to 70% of the sea's water volume over a short period, triggering volcanic eruptions and global climatic effects.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2024

The origin of most meteorites finally revealed

An international team has identified the sources of 70% of all known meteorite falls, revealing that 37% come from the Massalia family. The discovery was made possible by a telescopic survey and computer simulations of asteroid families' composition and evolution.

SourceCNRS·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 16, 2024

An innovative system for seeing into the bowels of volcanos

Researchers from CNRS and Paris Institute of Planetary Physics developed an innovative imaging method to probe volcano internal structure. The study revealed a large magma storage zone beneath La Soufriere volcano, providing greater anticipation for volcanic eruptions.

SourceCNRS·JournalCommunications·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 18, 2024

The most endangered fish are the least studied

A recent study published in Science Advances found that the most threatened reef fishes receive less attention from scientists and the public due to commercial value vs. ecological importance. Small fish families like blennies and gobies are underrepresented despite their crucial role in trophodynamics.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2024

Discovery of a new defense mechanism in bacteria

Scientists have discovered a new defense mechanism in bacteria that uses cell-to-cell communication to 'warn' unaffected bacteria about potential threats, allowing them to shield themselves and spread the warning signal. This mechanism has been found to be effective against various antibiotics and toxins.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2024

A new breakthrough in understanding regeneration in a marine worm

A research team led by a CNRS scientist has observed that gut cells play a role in the regeneration of intestine and other tissues like muscle and epidermis. The study found that gut cell plasticity varies according to their location, with those closer to the posterior end rebuilding more diverse cell types.

SourceCNRS·JournalDevelopment·DateJul 2, 2024

How humans transform island bird communities

A study published in Ecology Letters found that humans have a greater impact on alien species diversity than geographic variables on most islands. Human factors such as colonisation pressure, habitat modification, and connectivity drive disparities in functional and phylogenetic diversity.

SourceCNRS·JournalEcology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2024

First time brown dwarfs seen so near host stars

For the first time, a team of French scientists has observed brown dwarfs orbiting very close to bright stars using precise astronomical imaging. The findings provide new insights into the formation of these unusual celestial objects and massive exoplanets.

SourceCNRS·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJun 20, 2024

The rise of horse power ~4,200 years ago

Researchers found that domestic horses were produced in large numbers around 4200 years ago, marking the start of a new era in human history. This led to unprecedented exchanges and interactions among diverse cultures across Eurasia.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2024

Marine protected areas: Only a third are effective

A recent study by CNRS scientists analyzed the world's 100 largest MPAs and found that only a third of them offer real protection on a global scale. The study also reveals that unregulated and unmanaged areas account for a quarter of the surface area, with many MPAs allowing industrial activities incompatible with marine conservation.

SourceCNRS·JournalConservation·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2024

Social change may explain decline in genetic diversity of the Y chromosome at the end of the Neolithic period

A recent study suggests that the decline in genetic diversity of the Y chromosome between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago was caused by social change, rather than violent conflicts. The researchers analyzed anthropological field data and modeling scenarios to conclude that patrilineal organizations had a significant impact on the Y chromosome.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2024

Running performance helped by mathematical research

Researchers developed a mathematical model to optimize World-class 400m and 1500m running performances by considering variability of motor control, oxygen consumption, and energy expenditure. The study found that improving aerobic metabolism and maintaining optimal velocity are crucial for achieving top performance.

SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers·TypeCase study·DateMar 5, 2024

Radiation from massive stars shapes planetary systems

A study of the Orion Nebula reveals that massive stars play a crucial role in shaping planetary systems. The intense ultraviolet radiation from these stars can either facilitate or hinder planet formation, depending on the mass of the star at the system's center.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateFeb 29, 2024

Seaports are hotspots of contagious cancer in mussels

Research finds seaports facilitate the spread of MtrBTN2, a rare contagious cancer in mussels, through biofouling. The disease is threatening coastal ecosystems and argues in favor of mitigation policies to stem its spread.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2024