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CNRS


Toward a low-cost industrialization of lithium-ion capacitors

Lithium-ion capacitors combine large storage capacity and rapid charging capabilities. Researchers have proposed a new approach using two additives to facilitate incorporation of lithium into capacitors, enabling cost-effective development of these components. This method has the potential to increase energy storage efficiency.

SourceCNRS·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 6, 2019

Family crucial to orca survival

A CNRS and University of La Rochelle research team studied the impact of a fishing operation on orca populations. The study found that orcas who lost family members due to the fishing operation adopted erratic social behavior, leading to reduced access to food and ultimately higher mortality rates.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2019

Traces of Roman-era pollution stored in the ice of Mont Blanc

Researchers have found traces of Roman-era pollution in the ice of Mont Blanc, revealing significant atmospheric pollution from heavy metals. The study provides a record of atmospheric conditions in ancient Rome and sheds light on the impact of ancient emissions on the present-day environment in Europe.

SourceCNRS·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 9, 2019

A video game aids in research on Alzheimer's disease

Researchers developed a video game to study spatial orientation and navigational abilities, finding that virtual navigation performance is comparable to the real world. The game was played by 4 million people and showed changes in navigational habits before clinical Alzheimer's symptoms appear.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2019

Slime mold absorbs substances to memorize them

Researchers found that slime molds can store knowledge of salty environments through absorption, allowing for up to a month of retention. The study suggests that the substance itself supports the slime mold's memory, rather than just the environment.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateApr 22, 2019

Measuring iceberg production with earthquakes

An international team uses seismic data from glacial earthquakes to study calving and its impact on ice sheet mass loss. This breakthrough in environmental seismology reveals that calving resulted in the shedding of 370 gigatonnes of ice into the Arctic Ocean between 1993 and 2013.

SourceCNRS·JournalAnnals of Glaciology·DateApr 11, 2019

Cancer: Central role of cell 'skeleton' discovered

Research shows that branched actin transmits information to cells about their environment and regulates growth, a mechanism that can be targeted to fight certain types of cancer. Inhibiting branched actin formation prevents the growth of melanoma cells, offering new therapeutic options.

SourceCNRS·JournalCell Research·DateApr 10, 2019

The hotter it gets, the more forests act as insulators

Research shows forests in temperate, boreal, and tropical regions lower air temperatures by an average of 4°C compared to surrounding areas. The study suggests that management strategies can improve forest microclimates and mitigate the effects of global warming on biodiversity.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 1, 2019

In search of new 'sugar cleavers'

Scientists from two French teams have identified 79 new 'sugar cleavers' enzymes using bioinformatics methods, expanding the known families to over 200. These enzymes can serve as tools in domains like bioenergy, cosmetics, and nutrition.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Unprecedented biological changes in the global ocean

A new computer model reveals accelerating biological changes in the global ocean, which can redistribute ocean communities and species worldwide. The model predicts these changes one year in advance, enabling identification of regions overlooked by current field observation programs.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 25, 2019

Grasses can acquire genes from neighboring plants

A recent study found that grasses can acquire genes from at least nine donor species, including those involved in photosynthesis and disease resistance. This mechanism allows certain plants to adapt quickly to environmental changes.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

What happens to magnetic nanoparticles once in cells?

Magnetic nanoparticles break down within stem cells, releasing iron that's stored in non-magnetic form or used to create new magnetic particles. This phenomenon may help explain the presence of natural magnetism in human cells.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2019

The first walking robot that moves without GPS

AntBot, a new robot developed by CNRS and Aix-Marseille University, replicates the navigation capabilities of desert ants using polarized light and optical sensors. The robot can explore its environment and return to its base with precision, covering distances of up to 14 meters.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 13, 2019

Discovery of the oldest evidence of mobility on Earth

An international team has uncovered fossilized traces of motility in a 2.1 billion-year-old fossil deposit in Gabon, shedding light on the evolution of life on Earth. The discovery provides evidence of sophisticated multicellular organisms that could move through their mud in search of nutrients.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2019

How manganese produces a parkinsonian syndrome

Researchers discovered manganese's role in disrupting protein transport, leading to parkinsonian symptoms. Manganese accumulates in cellular vesicles, disturbing nerve cell function and affecting Parkinson's disease-like symptoms.

SourceCNRS·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateJan 16, 2019

Physics can show us the inside of tumors

Researchers used noncontact imaging to differentiate malignant cells and monitor treatment effectiveness, revealing mechanical properties of tumors that influence disease progression. This technique may lead to personalized therapies and more effective treatments.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 8, 2019

A model for describing the hydrodynamics of crowds

Researchers developed a physical model describing crowd movement and behavior, predicting speed information spreads through the group like waves. The generic description can accurately predict crowd flows in various settings, with little variation between groups.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateJan 3, 2019

Discovery of novel mechanisms that cause migraines

A new mechanism has been discovered for the onset of migraines, involving a mutation in a protein that inhibits neuronal electrical activity. This finding opens a new path for the development of anti-migraine medicines by targeting K2P2.1 channels to reduce neuronal excitability.

SourceCNRS·JournalNeuron·DateDec 17, 2018

Silicosis is on the rise, but is there a therapeutic target?

A study published in Nature Communications identifies extracellular DNA degradation as a key mechanism of lung inflammation induced by silica exposure. Treatment with DNase I may prevent silica-induced lung inflammation, suggesting a new therapeutic target for silicosis.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2018

Fruit flies can transmit their sexual preferences culturally

Researchers demonstrate that fruit flies meet five criteria for culturally transmitted behavior: learned socially, copied from older individuals, memorized over time, involves individual characteristics, and conformist. Computer simulations also show the emergence of long-lasting cultural traditions through transmission chains.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2018

A prosthetic arm that decodes phantom limb movements

Researchers have developed a prosthetic arm that can detect and replicate phantom limb movements, revolutionizing amputee rehabilitation. The device uses muscle activity generated by mobilization of the phantom limb to achieve precise control, allowing patients to interact with their prostheses without extensive training or surgery.

SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateNov 29, 2018

Stroke: Preventing the damage by acting on the neuronal environment?

Scientists from CNRS and partners have found a promising strategy for protecting neurons after a stroke, involving the extracellular matrix. The new approach, using an agent mimicking structural components of this matrix, has shown effectiveness in rats and may complement existing clot-elimination techniques.

SourceCNRS·JournalTheranostics·DateNov 15, 2018

'Cellular dust' provides new hope for regenerative medicine

Extracellular vesicles, or 'cellular dust', have shown therapeutic properties similar to stem cells without their disadvantages. These gel-like vesicles can be produced by a single donor for several patients and have demonstrated potential in repairing heart, liver, and kidney lesions.

SourceCNRS·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 24, 2018

Do lizards dream like us?

Researchers confirm lizards enter two distinct sleep states similar to slow-wave and REM sleep in humans and other animals. However, the study reveals differences in brain activity between species, including slower eye movements and unique cerebral patterns in lizard brains.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 11, 2018

Optical illusion spooks raptors

Scientists develop visual pattern that triggers long-term avoidance of high-risk areas by raptors, improving collision detection and reducing plane and wind turbine collisions. The 'looming' effect created by concentric black circles on a white background is effective in repelling birds from specific areas.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2018

Thirteen ocean solutions for climate change

The Ocean Solutions Initiative presents a comprehensive review of thirteen ocean-based measures to counter climate change. The measures can be grouped into four categories: reduction of climate change causes, preservation of ecosystems, protection of the ocean from solar radiation, and direct manipulation of species adaptability.

SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 4, 2018

Discovery of the earliest drawing

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest known abstract drawing made with a piece of ocher used as a pencil, dated to 73,000 years ago. The drawing, found on a silcrete fragment in Blombos Cave in South Africa, confirms that early humans intentionally created and used symbols.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 2018

Clown fish: Whence the white stripes?

Researchers found that clown fish stripes are essential for individual recognition and critical to their social organization among sea anemones. They also discovered the evolutionary history of striped patterns, which originated from a common ancestor with three stripes.

SourceCNRS·JournalBMC Biology·DateSep 4, 2018

Pathology and social interactions: Safety in numbers

Researchers found that social isolation accelerates tumor growth in sick flies, while healthy flies avoid sick individuals with advanced tumors. This study suggests that social interactions play a substantial role in cancer development and progression.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2018

2018-2022 expected to be abnormally hot years

A new method predicts mean air temperature will be abnormally high in 2018-2022, higher than figures inferred from anthropogenic global warming alone. This is due to a low probability of intense cold events and a high probability of heat events, leading to increased tropical storm activity.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2018