Researchers identified SMYD2 as a key player in breast cancer metastasis, enabling the development of early treatments. Inhibiting SMYD2 inhibits BCAR3 activity, blocking metastatic cell migration and invasion.
A team of scientists from CNRS and RCU reveals a massive walled oasis dating back to the Bronze Age, shedding new light on human occupation and social complexity in pre-Islamic Arabia. The fortification, estimated to be over 14km long, enclosed a rural territory of nearly 1,100 hectares.
A study published in PNAS found that 70 million years ago, primates' ancestors mostly lived in pairs, with only 15% opting for solitary lifestyles. This flexible pair-living ancestor likely offered benefits such as easier reproduction and thermoregulation.
SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2024
Research reveals that inhaling asbestos or similar nanofibers can lead to pulmonary fibrosis due to their inability to be fully encapsulated by macrophages. The study found that fibers over 15 microns in length cause leaked secretions harmful to alveolar walls, leading to repeated pulmonary lesions and potential fibroma development.
Scientists at CNRS found that flowering plants in farmland are evolving towards self-fertilization as insects decline. This phenomenon threatens plant-pollinator interactions, highlighting the need for conservation measures.
Researchers use MUSE to study ancient galaxies and find that galactic winds, created by massive stars, limit their growth. The team's findings reveal a universal process affecting most galaxies.
A recent study has found that the ocean's capacity to store atmospheric carbon dioxide is significantly higher than previously estimated. The research team analyzed data from around the world and calculated a new estimate of 15 gigatonnes per year, an increase of around 20% compared to previous studies.
The loss is attributed to warming ocean temperatures causing glaciers' floating extensions to melt. This weakening could lead to accelerated sea-level rise as the ice shelves act as frozen dams regulating ice discharge into the ocean.
Guinea baboons develop strategies to choose cooperative partners based on past interactions, mirroring human behavior like reciprocity. The study, published in Science Advances, suggests this behavior has been inherited at least 30 million years ago from a common ancestor with humans.
The study analyzed genome sequences from two skull fragments dated to 36,000 and 37,000 years ago, revealing genetic proximity to current and ancient Europeans. The findings suggest that these individuals contributed to the population that gave rise to the Gravettian culture around 5,000 years later.
Researchers at CNRS develop new synthesis method for silicones, eliminating toxic cyclic oligosiloxanes and endocrine disruptors. The breakthrough could significantly impact the industrial sector with a more environmentally-friendly alternative.
A research team discovered deposits of salts forming a hexagonal pattern in Martian sedimentary layers, indicating a regular climate with dry and wet seasons. This environment is thought to provide ideal conditions for the formation of complex organic compounds essential for life.
The giant Olympus Mons volcano on Mars has morphological similarities with many active volcanic islands on Earth, indicating contact between liquid water and lava. A vast ocean of liquid water once occupied the Red Planet's northern lowlands, according to recent work published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters.
SourceCNRS·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2023
An international team of scientists used nondestructive chemical analysis to uncover subtle changes in ancient Egyptian funerary paintings, including reworked motifs and pigments. The discovery sheds new light on the creative process and intellectual identities of pharaonic artists, revealing a more dynamic and complex artistic tradition.
Scientists studied vocal behavior of ten mothers and found they articulated better and expressed more positive emotions when speaking to their babies or puppies. This hyperarticulation led to clearer pronunciation of words and easier processing for infants.
SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of Child Language·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2023
An international team of scientists has discovered an echo emitted by the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, which emerged from a long period of dormancy 200 years ago. The black hole, four million times more massive than the Sun, gobbled up cosmic objects before re-entering quiescence.
CNRS scientists have identified a molecule that prevents parasites of Plasmodium from invading blood cells, paving the way for a new class of antimalarials. The discovery is based on the key role of myosin A in malaria infection and its inhibition by KNX-002.
A team of scientists has identified 7 prehistoric flutes in Eynan-Mallaha, Israel, dated to 12,000 years ago. The flutes were made from the bones of small waterfowl and produced a sound similar to certain birds of prey.
SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2023
Researchers from CNRS discover that liver cells control the biological clock in mammals, synchronizing peripheral clocks. This finding suggests a connection between liver health and overall metabolism, with potential implications for metabolic disease and sleep disorders.
Researchers identified copper's role in inflammation and found that it can trigger the expression of genes involved in cancer progression. They also developed a drug prototype called Supformin that blocks copper chemistry, reducing inflammation and cell transformation in cancer cells.
A new group of DNA viruses, mirusviruses, has been discovered in marine plankton, linking them to both giant viruses and herpesviruses. The discovery reveals that the ancestors of herpes viruses once infected single-cell organisms, while the majority of mirusvirus genes share similarities with those of giant viruses.
The global economic impact of biological invasions exceeds that of natural catastrophes, with $1208 billion in losses between 1980 and 2019. Biological invasions have a long-lasting effect, causing significant damage to infrastructure, crops, and ecosystems.
Researchers developed AI predicting heatwaves using 'deep learning' and statistical models, providing a probabilistic approach up to a month before arrival. The technology is trained on 8,000 years of weather data and combines with rare event simulation algorithms for improved forecasts
SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 2023
A groundbreaking study finds that horses were raised, fed, and ridden by Indigenous Peoples on the American Plains over 700,000 years ago. Genetic analysis reveals a strong Iberian ancestry, contradicting the prevailing narrative of European introduction after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.
In a study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B, researchers found that mandrill females pass on hygienic practices to their daughters, reducing parasite infection. This social transmission of hygiene has potential consequences for infectious disease dynamics in primate groups.
SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateFeb 8, 2023
A recent study has solved a 25-year-old enigma by revealing the role of UFO protein in flower formation. The protein aids LEAFY protein in activating genes responsible for bud formation and petal development when combined. This discovery was made using plant genetic experiments, bioinformatics analyses, and protein imaging.
Research suggests that alternating years of low and high acorn production contribute to an increase in wild boar populations. Biennial episodes of acorn production coincide with the generation time of wild boars, leading to positive population growth.
SourceCNRS·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2023
A new study found that glaciers are losing mass at a rate higher than previously estimated, with small glaciers being the most impacted. By 2100, 49% of the world's glaciers could disappear due to global warming, leading to a 9-cm sea level rise under 1.5°C conditions.
A new respiratory vaccine has been shown to provide complete protection against lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice. The vaccine uses a DNA encoding a viral protein and is delivered through the mucous membranes, targeting immune cells in the nose and lungs.
A team of scientists found that bats have multiple copies of the PKR gene, allowing them to develop an antiviral repertoire. This adaptation enables bats to defend themselves against a wide range of viruses.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) show significant benefits in improving carbon sequestration and biodiversity. MPAs also enhance coastal protection, reproductive capacity of marine organisms, and fisher catches.
Researchers deciphered descriptions of four constellations from the Hipparchus Star Catalogue, refuting a long-held idea about its relation to Claudius Ptolemy's catalogue. The study confirms Hipparchus' data as accurate to the nearest degree, making it a significant advancement in reconstructing the ancient astronomical text.
Researchers developed a new principle for estimating gravity direction in flying insects and drones by combining optical flow with movement modeling. This allows them to determine the direction of gravity in most situations except when completely stationary, which destabilizes their flight.
Scientists have developed a new method to store and retrieve digital data encoded in DNA molecules using enzymes. The approach enables complex calculations on DNA-encoded data without converting it back into electronic form.
A new study using zinc isotope analysis found that Neanderthals were probable carnivores, contrary to earlier research suggesting a plant-based diet. The analysis of a tooth enamel sample from the Gabasa site in Spain revealed a carnivorous diet without blood consumption.
SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2022
Recruitment of tumor-fighting macrophages depends on testosterone. Administering testosterone to females increases macrophage ability to eradicate tumor cells.
A global risk assessment reveals that 56-65% of urban tree species are already at risk due to increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation. By 2050, this figure could rise to 68-76%, with France expecting a 71% risk for common ash species.
SourceCNRS·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2022
The study reveals that donkeys were first domesticated in Africa 5,000 years ago, with a previously unknown genetic lineage discovered in the Levant. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the history of trade between Europe and North Africa.
The study reveals that Sahelanthropus tchadensis, a 7 million-year-old species, had both ground-dwelling and tree-climbing abilities. This suggests that early humans acquired bipedalism very early in their history.
Researchers used a three-dimensional climate model to recreate Earth's history and found that changing continents significantly increased ocean oxygen levels. This new study reveals the previously underestimated role of plate tectonics in shaping ocean biodiversity.
Researchers from CNRS and MIT discover that chromosomes are fluid and able to move freely outside of cell division phases. They achieve this through direct mechanical manipulation using magnets, challenging the traditional representation of chromosomes as entangled molecules.
A team of scientists has discovered that idoteas, tiny marine creatures, play a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of red algae by pollinating them. This unique interaction not only aids the alga's reproduction but also provides the idotea with food and shelter.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 'toolbox' to study receptor mobility in the brain, revealing its critical role in certain types of memory. The study used high-resolution imaging and manipulation techniques to observe receptor dynamics in intact brain tissue, providing new insights into the mechanisms controlling memory.
Researchers have identified a neural circuit responsible for detecting 'affective' touch and influencing social behavior in mice. Activation of this circuit triggers social bonding, while disruption leads to reduced social interaction.
Researchers have developed a new degradable polymer material with improved biodegradability, outperforming existing bioplastics like PLA or PCL. The material can degrade by over 70% in a week, making it suitable for applications such as thermosensitive nanoparticles for medicine administration.
A new analysis of over 100,000 births reveals that women with a high chance of having twins generally have reduced fertility. The study found that twin survival and increased pregnancies can compensate for reproductive aging, leading to higher total child numbers.
Research reveals that multi-species forest plantations outperform monocultures in terms of tree height, width, and biomass production. This is attributed to functional complementarity between species, which enhances resource use efficiency.
Researchers determined the 3D structure of NTCP, a protein crucial for liver function and HBV/HDV infection. The study reveals two essential conformations: one 'open' pore for bile salt binding and a 'closed' conformation preventing virus recognition.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that healthy developing neurons promote metastatic behaviour in neuroblastoma cells. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the unique developmental environment within which cancers of embryonic origin form.
Researchers have developed a theoretical model explaining how water mould spores move and change direction, revealing a breaststroke-like motion for turning. The study provides insights into the biophysical nature of these microorganisms, which could lead to new avenues in physics research.