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journal

Women at greater risk of severe diseases

While International Women’s Day was celebrated earlier this month, women are not on a par with men, including when it comes to health. CNRS News is taking a look at illnesses that are more common, or even more severe, in women than in men, including Alzheimer’s, autoimmune diseases, and also certain cancers. Why is it so? Scientists are examining possible explanations.

Blocking off highway to infections

By elucidating the mechanism that enables the microscopic fungus "Candida albicans" to cause an infection, a CNRS research team has opened the way towards several new therapeutic opportunities.

Avatar vs science

Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third instalment of the cinematic saga, premiered in movie theatres in late 2025. Ecologists and biologists have been examining the scientific premises of the film and the links between science and creative imagination. So, is the rich biodiversity of the moon Pandora plausible?

Medical implants of the future

How to ensure an efficient energy supply for increasingly complex medical implants? A new study provides a theoretical framework for optimising wireless and battery-free devices powered by electromagnetic waves.

Chilling out in the cold

When the outside temperature drops, our body may start to shiver. But that’s not all: it also triggers a series of coordinated reactions to maintain its temperature at 37°C. What are the mechanisms that help us withstand the cold – and even influence our diet?

"Forever chemicals" could see their days numbered

Many everyday objects contain PFAS, synthetic molecules that are virtually indestructible. These thousands of compounds are accumulating in both nature and our organisms. One avenue for eradicating them is bioremediation, which eliminates chemicals by using living organisms.

Citizens of the world on the same wavelength

For the first time, researchers are assessing people’s opinions on policies for the global redistribution of wealth and the fight against climate change. Such measures receive massive, nearly universal support, albeit more so in Europe than in the United States.

How the piano set the world in tune

Manufactured primarily in England and France starting in the early 18th century, pianos were massively exported, in particular to the Americas, leading to the emergence of new repertoires. This is the amazing story of an instrument that has crossed oceans, social classes and musical styles.

The super powers of the plant microbiota

Albeit little-known, plant microbiota or holobionts are essential for plant health and sustainable agriculture. The work of Philippe Vandenkoornhuyse in discovering their role has earned this CNRS ecologist international recognition.

The eternal quest for healthy eating

In the Middle Ages, sugar was praised for its therapeutic benefits, whereas melon was long considered harmful! The mediaevalist and food specialist Bruno Laurioux recounts the history of the eternal quest for a healthful diet, from antiquity to the present day.