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Institut Pasteur


The universal tempo of animal communication

Researchers found that 95% of animal species vocalize at a rate between 0.45 and 4.99 Hz, with a peak at 2.8 Hz, suggesting a shared ancient constraint across species. This universal tempo may facilitate communication between species.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026

Pesticides and cancer: A study reveals the biological mechanisms behind an environmental health risk

A study published in Nature Health reveals a strong link between pesticide exposure and the risk of developing certain cancers. The research shows that pesticide exposure increases the risk of cancer by 150% in areas with high levels of pollution, and highlights early biological effects before cancer develops.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 1, 2026

How microbes protect against allergies

Researchers found that exposure to microbes induces a lasting immune memory in fibroblasts, protecting lungs from allergic reactions for months. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing preventive strategies for respiratory allergies.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2026

How age, sex and genetics shape our antibodies

A study found that age, biological sex, and human genetic factors determine the quantity and specificity of antibodies produced in response to viral infections. The research has significant implications for vaccine and therapeutic design, as it shows that individual profiles can be tailored to improve treatment effectiveness.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Immunology·TypeCase study·DateFeb 18, 2026

A promising avenue for improving antibiotic efficacy

Researchers at Institut Pasteur found that aminoglycosides use sugar transporters to enter bacteria, increasing their effectiveness and potentially reducing the need for high doses. By doubling the number of transporters, they improved antibiotics' penetration rate and efficacy in even the most resistant E. coli strains.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Consumption of food additives during pregnancy: Effects on offspring microbiota increase susceptibility to inflammatory diseases

A study in mice found that maternal consumption of emulsifiers can alter the gut microbiota of their offspring, leading to increased risk of chronic inflammatory gut disorders and obesity. The research highlights the importance of regulating food additives, particularly in powdered baby formulas, to prevent long-term health consequences.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2025

Vigilance and targeted public health measures are essential in the face of the diphtheria epidemic that has affected vulnerable populations in Western Europe since 2022

A recent study reveals the diphtheria epidemic in Western Europe is primarily caused by contamination during migratory travel or in destination countries, not in the countries of origin. The researchers emphasize the importance of maintaining high levels of vigilance and public health support among vulnerable populations.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 4, 2025

Revelations on the history of leprosy in the Americas

Scientists have discovered that leprosy, caused by bacteria Mycobacterium lepromatosis, has been infecting humans in the Americas for at least 1,000 years. The study analyzed DNA from ancient human remains and recent clinical cases, confirming that the disease was already widespread in North and South America before European colonization.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalScience·TypeSurvey·DateMay 29, 2025

Hepatitis B: new rapid diagnostic test to halt mother-to-child transmission

A new rapid diagnostic test can accurately identify pregnant women with high levels of the hepatitis B virus, allowing for early detection and intervention. This breakthrough test could have a significant impact on hepatitis B management in low- and middle-income countries, reducing the spread of the infection.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2025

Mpox: a better understanding of tecovirimat resistance

Researchers at the Institut Pasteur have gained a better understanding of how mpox variants become resistant to tecovirimat. They found that the drug works by binding two phospholipases together, preventing viral particles from spreading. This knowledge will help develop new antiviral treatments effective across all mpox strains.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

Depression: Dysfunction of neurons in the amygdala may be behind negative perceptions of the environment

Depression alters neural circuits in the amygdala, leading to reduced activity in pleasant stimuli and increased activation in negative stimuli. This negativity bias contributes to depressive symptoms. Researchers found a potential treatment by reactivating neurons involved in positive encoding of environmental stimuli.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2024

When dogs and humans find a common language

Researchers found that dogs slow down their speech rate when addressed by humans, while humans' speech rhythms meet in the middle. Dogs process human language only within the delta band (1-3 Hz) and with phonological content, debunking myths about prosody sensitivity.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

First sustained remission of HIV infection following a bone marrow transplant in the absence of protective mutation

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine reports the first sustained remission of HIV infection following a bone marrow transplant in a patient without the CCR5-delta 32 mutation. Despite remaining susceptible to HIV, the virus remains undetectable nearly three years after antiretroviral treatment was stopped.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Medicine·TypeCase study·DateSep 5, 2024

Olympics: how many days does it take for mosquitoes in Greater Paris to transmit arboviruses, and what preventive measures are needed?

A study found that mosquitoes in Greater Paris can transmit five arboviruses within different time frames, with West Nile virus transmitted in as little as three days. The results highlight the importance of increased surveillance and control measures to prevent disease outbreaks during the Olympic Games.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Smoking has long-term effects on the immune system

A recent study published in Nature found that smoking has a lasting effect on the immune system, with certain defense mechanisms persisting for up to 10-15 years after quitting. The research used a large cohort of healthy volunteers and identified three key factors: smoking, latent cytomegalovirus infection, and body mass index.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2024

HIV: Early treatment, one key to remission

A new study using an animal model has identified a window of opportunity for early treatment to promote long-term control and remission of HIV infection. Starting treatment four weeks after infection promotes viral control after discontinuation of treatment, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2024

Remission from HIV-1 infection: discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies that contribute to virus control

Researchers have identified a family of broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the HIV-1 envelope protein, which may contribute to long-term remission from infection. These antibodies were found to induce the elimination of infected cells and impose a selective pressure on the virus, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 8, 2023

Monkeypox: Characterization of post-infectious immune response

Scientists studied 470 sera from vaccinated or MPXV-infected individuals to elucidate mechanisms involved in post-infectious immune response. The study revealed the role of complement and analyzed immune responses in vaccinated or infected individuals, with robust levels of anti-MVA antibodies detected after infection or vaccination.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

How the brain detects and regulates inflammation

A multidisciplinary team of scientists has revealed the existence of a brain circuit involved in sensing and regulating inflammation. The circuit detects inflammatory hormones in the blood and organizes the immune response through the vagal complex and parabrachial nucleus.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

A global overview of antibiotic resistance determinants

The study identified significant differences in antibiotic resistance trends and associated factors depending on bacterial species and antibiotic resistance to certain antibiotics. High health system quality was linked to low levels of resistance, while high temperatures were associated with increased resistance in Enterobacteriaceae.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2023