Parker Solar Probe, launched in August 2018, will study the solar corona's temperature and wind sources with French-developed instruments. The probe will complete 25 orbits near the Sun, reaching speeds of up to 700,000 km/h.
Researchers study mice living in 'Souris City' device to identify distinct personalities based on behavior differences. The study reveals that dopamine-producing neurons play a key role in shaping individuality, with mice exhibiting radically different strategies for navigating the maze.
Researchers from CNRS and Cirad have discovered that the bark of certain tree species generates forces that control tree growth and upright posture. This motor function was previously overlooked, but is now recognized as a crucial component of a tree's ability to grow vertically.
Alessio Figalli, a CNRS researcher, has been awarded the 2018 Fields Medal for his groundbreaking contributions to calculus of variations, optimal control, and partial differential equations. His work focuses on optimal transport theory, which has far-reaching implications in fields such as economics, geometry, and probability.
The largest king penguin colony on Île aux Cochons has plummeted in size by nearly 90%, with researchers attributing the decline to climate change and vegetation encroachment. Satellite images reveal that the colony's population began declining in the late 1990s, coinciding with a major climatic event related to El Niño.
The Planck mission's final data supports the standard cosmological model with exceptional accuracy, providing a wealth of information about the Universe's content and rate of expansion. However, some limitations and anomalies remain, particularly regarding the Universe's expansion rate.
Researchers have developed a molecular labeling method using polymers to identify biomedical implants, even after prolonged periods inside the living being. The technique uses mass spectrometry to decode the 'code' of the labels, enabling unambiguous identification and potential extension to other healthcare materials.
Toxoplasmosis is a widespread infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which multiplies within a host and causes irreversible tissue damage. The parasite implements an ingenious invasive strategy involving a protein complex and rotational force to gain entry to host cells.
Economists estimate that asylum seekers have a positive impact on the economy of host countries after becoming permanent residents. The study analyzed 30 years of data from 15 Western European countries and found that an increase in migration flows produces positive effects on GDP per capita, unemployment rate, and public finances.
Amyloid peptides prevent CamKII from participating in synaptic plasticity, leading to synapse loss and cognitive deficiencies. Researchers aim to understand the molecular mechanism behind amyloid aggregate interactions with CamKII to develop potential treatments for early Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have discovered that giant viruses, known as pandoraviruses, can invent new genes through spontaneous mutations in intergenic regions. This suggests that these viruses may be
Researchers taught bees to recognize 'greater than' and 'less than' inequalities, and they successfully applied this knowledge to understand the concept of zero. This groundbreaking study reveals that even with a limited number of neurons, insects can grasp abstract mathematical concepts.
Researchers from CNRS and INSERM identify 'primitive mast cells' generated in yolk sac during embryonic development. These cells play a crucial role in shaping the body's immune response, contradicting previous theories on mast cell origin.
Researchers designed an aerial robot that can alter its profile during flight to reduce its wingspan and navigate through narrow passages. The Quad-Morphing robot has two rotating arms equipped with propellers, allowing it to fly like a helicopter and adopt different arm orientations to traverse tight spaces.
Ticks cannot survive without bacterial symbionts that synthesize B vitamins from scarce nutrients in blood. A study discovered a key bacterium that produces vital B vitamins, such as biotin and folic acid, for ticks' survival.
Researchers studied the effects of El Niño and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on Nazca booby survival. Young birds face low survival rates during El Niño events due to depleted fish stocks, while adults experience higher mortality in warm PDO phases due to increased reproduction difficulties.
The Big Bell Test successfully validated Bell inequalities using a participatory science experiment, where 100,000 people generated random bits via a video game. The results confirm the violation of Bell inequalities, opening new avenues for quantum physics applications.
Researchers discovered that plant statoliths exhibit fluid behavior due to molecular 'motors' stirring them about, enabling the detection of slightest gravity changes. This finding provides insight into what makes plants sensitive to gravity.
Researchers challenged the existing understanding of star formation by observing a distant molecular cloud, W43-MM1, with ALMA. Contrary to previous findings, they discovered an overabundance of massive cores and underrepresentation of less massive cores.
Scientists find nearly 80% of coral reefs on Upolu Island have less than 10% cover, with recent coral death and smaller fish populations. Local human activities and climate change exacerbate the issue, while protected areas show signs of effective management.
Researchers studied fossilized remains from Morocco and Niger to reconstruct the past's food chains, explaining how large predators coexisted. Calcium isotope analysis showed that carnivores shared resources by subtly hunting different prey types, such as herbivorous dinosaurs or fish.
Researchers have developed a hybrid system combining inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals with a molecular catalyst, achieving efficient hydrogen production. The system shows remarkable catalytic activity in water without the use of toxic metals like cadmium.
The CNRS secured 15 out of 34 French projects funded by the ERC Advanced Grants, marking a significant lead among European hosting institutions. This achievement comes at a time when the CNRS has demonstrated its expertise in various scientific domains.
A study on grey mouse lemurs found that chronic caloric restriction increased their median survival time to 9.6 years, compared to 6.4 years in control groups. Calorie restriction also delayed the onset of age-related pathologies and preserved motor capacities.
A new study reveals that biodiversity on mountain peaks in Europe is increasing at an accelerated rate, with plants colonizing higher altitudes in response to warmer temperatures. This trend suggests a risk of disrupting mountain ecosystems as certain species may not be able to adapt to changing conditions.
Artificial molecules mimicking DNA's surface features have been successfully synthesized, demonstrating the ability to inhibit activity of several DNA-binding enzymes. These findings pave the way for new medicines by inhibiting DNA-protein interactions.
Researchers have developed a biocompatible synthetic material that replicates tissue mechanics and alters color when it changes shape, like chameleon skin. The material is composed of a unique triblock copolymer with carefully selected structural parameters, exhibiting flexibility, strain profile, and optical properties.
The BIABooster device characterizes DNA in blood circulation with new precision and sensitivity, identifying promising signatures for cancer monitoring. It has been shown to detect DNA up to a concentration of 10 fg/μL with precisions of 20% and 3%.
A computer program called CLEESE enables researchers to visualize the mental representations of others' personalities according to acoustic qualities of their voices. The study found that a descending pitch with emphasis on the second syllable makes a hello sound sincere, while a rising pitch inspires trust.
The researchers' hypothesis is confirmed by laboratory experiments and molecular dynamics calculations, which show that chiral arrangements of water molecules enhance material transport through the membrane.
A team of scientists has identified a human protein called interleukin-33 (IL-33) that reacts to various environmental allergens, including mold, pollen, and cockroaches. This discovery establishes a direct link between genetics and the environment, and offers new potential targets for treatment of allergic diseases.
Researchers from CNRS and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a gene cluster involved in medulloblastoma tumour development. They found that genes normally expressed only in the eye can be activated in brain tumors, promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting cell death.
Urban heat islands are caused by cities trapping more heat than surrounding areas due to their structure, affecting energy consumption and air quality. Researchers studied 50 cities and found that well-organized cities with straight streets retain more heat at night, leading to increased energy bills in hot climates.
Researchers uncover mechanism behind neuropathic pain and develop innovative treatment blocking FLT3 molecule. The treatment shows immediate and long-lasting therapeutic effects in animal subjects, reducing hyperalgesia and allodynia.
A team of researchers proposes a new scenario for the formation of Comet Chury, suggesting it formed through a gentle encounter between two comets, preserving its primordial composition. This process allows for the survival of small bodies like Chury, which would otherwise be destroyed by collisions in the regions where they orbit.
A crowdlending pioneer developed a successful strategy by creating a niche market and collaborating with regulatory bodies. He achieved this through a 'coopetition' approach, combining competition and cooperation to bypass the banking monopoly and establish new regulations.
A study of 20 ancient horses found they are direct ancestors of Przewalski's horses, contrary to previous thought. Their return to a wild state led to changes such as the loss of leopard spotting and night blindness.
Researchers from CNRS and Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage have uncovered life-sized dromedary sculptures in northwest Saudi Arabia, dating back to the first centuries BC or AD. The discovery provides significant insights into the evolution of rock art in the Arabian Peninsula.
Scientists identified a confining 'cage' in which a magnetic rope forms, causing solar eruptions. The resistance of this cage determines the power and type of flare. A new model predicts maximum energy release during solar flares, potentially devastating for Earth's systems.
The new laboratory will focus on advancing understanding in areas including number theory, mathematical analysis, biomathematics and financial mathematics. It represents the highest level of collaboration between French and UK mathematics communities.
Researchers have developed biogeochemical profiling floats to collect data on phytoplankton blooms, identifying the starting point for explosive spring blooms. These robots provide unparalleled data on ocean conditions, including light intensity, suspended particles, and chlorophyll concentration.
Archaeologists have uncovered a vast, structured surveillance and communication network dating back to the Middle Bronze Age in northern Syria. The network, comprising fortresses, small forts, towers, and enclosures, stretched across approximately 7,000 km2 and was designed to protect urban areas and transport corridors.
The study found that ancient Andean societies developed specific environmental knowledge to conserve water and avoid frost, enabling them to flourish in an arid region. The discovery of micro-terraces and non-centralized agrarian systems suggests a resilient approach to agriculture that continues to inspire indigenous communities today.
Recent research reveals that all Bronze Age iron artifacts were made from meteoric iron, a rare and valuable source of the metal. This finding challenges previous theories on the origins of bronze and provides new insights into ancient metalworking practices.
Researchers have observed weak gravity signals related to earthquakes and found they are sensitive to the magnitude of quakes. These signals may aid in early identification of major earthquakes.
Studies show that spelling problems in dyslexic children can modify or impair their writing skills. Researchers analyzed the relationship between learning to spell and physical writing processes, finding that spelling difficulties significantly affected handwriting.
Researchers from CNRS and INSA Strasbourg propose a new mechanism to explain lower-than-predicted vibrations near tracks as train speed increases. They show that a large part of energy is trapped in the heterogeneous ballast layer, leading to accelerated degradation.
Scientists from CNRS and ENS de Lyon discover the world's longest sauropod dinosaur trackway, spanning over 155 meters, in the French village of Plagne. The trackway is estimated to be 150 million years old and belonged to a dinosaur at least 35m long and weighing 35t.
Researchers tested participants 24 months after a decade-long memory test, finding they recognized 55% of the original images. The study suggests three exposures are sufficient for long-term image recognition.
Researchers analyzed social interactions in France and Japan, identifying five behaviors that influence group decisions. They developed a mathematical model that reproduces the results and predicts group performance based on information exchange, which can lead to improved cooperation and collaboration.