News from the AEB Division
The Impact of Lifestyle on Aging
April 1, 2026
An international study, co-led by a CEFE researcher, compared the aging of wild king penguins with that of king penguins raised in zoos, where they lead sedentary lives and are cared for and fed. While individuals raised in zoos have a longer lifespan, this comes at the cost of accelerated epigenetic aging throughout their lives. These findings may provide valuable insights into the links between aging and lifestyle in humans.
Maintaining the Productivity of French Forests: The Factors of Diversity and Density
March 16, 2026
Tree diversity promotes forest productivity, and this effect of biodiversity could be amplified in the context of climate change. A study—in which the CEFE participated—based on more than 25,000 French forest surveys demonstrates that species diversity plays a key role in maintaining forest productivity in the face of more intense and frequent droughts. However, this positive effect diminishes when tree density becomes too high. These data provide valuable insights for the sound management of our forests.
The Importance of Socioeconomic Factors in Decision-Making Regarding Climate Change
February 2, 2026
In North Africa and the Middle East, climate change threatens food security. A study in which HSM participated—conducted among 250 wheat farmers in Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia—analyzes farmers’ adaptation strategies. Farmers are largely aware of climate change and have already implemented adjustments, such as changes to planting dates, crop varieties, irrigation techniques, and fertilizer use. Nevertheless, the study shows that the implementation of these strategies depends on socioeconomic factors such as farmers’ access to training, equipment, and credit… It thus underscores the importance of implementing targeted public policies so that everyone can meet the challenge of climate change and build a sustainable agricultural sector.
Convergent Evolution of Sex Chromosomes in Two Palm Species
February 2, 2026
A study involving researchers from the DIADE, ISEM, and AGAP joint research units (UMRs) has revealed evolutionary convergence of the sex chromosomes in two palm species: Phoenix dactylifera (the date palm) and Kerriodoxa elegans (a rare species from Southeast Asia). Although the regions of the sex chromosomes in these two species show a high degree of similarity, the analyses demonstrate that these regions evolved independently of one another, well after the lineages diverged. This is therefore a rare and remarkable case of evolutionary convergence of sex chromosomes in plants.
Environmental DNA Reveals a Marine World Far Vaster Than Imagined
February 2, 2026
An international study involving researchers from MARBEC and CEFE, among others, has made it possible to reassess the geographic ranges and ecological niches of certain marine species. The scientists analyzed nearly a thousand environmental DNA (eDNA) samples and revealed a marine world that differs significantly from traditional data, even in areas that were already well documented. For 93% of the species studied, the geographic range is broader than expected, and for 7% of them, it is the ecological niche that is surprising. These findings are changing our understanding of the oceans and call for a rethinking of the models used for the management and conservation of marine biodiversity. Furthermore, there are still many areas left to sample.
A New Bioeconomy for Sustainable Fisheries Management
February 2, 2026
To better address contemporary challenges related to food security, economic development, and biodiversity conservation, researchers (notably from MARBEC and CEFE) are proposing a rethinking of the bioeconomy. Bioeconomic models, which have been applied to marine resources since the 1950s, need to be updated to manage ecosystems facing unprecedented pressures such as climate change, pollution, invasive species, and population growth. The researchers call for the development of new mathematical models that integrate ecosystem-based fisheries management, sustainability criteria, resilience criteria, and governance.
40 Years of Monitoring Flamingos: New Insights into the Relationship Between Migration and Aging
November 21, 2025
A study, which included the CEFE, has shown that migration in flamingos influences their aging: migratory flamingos, who are more exposed to risks early in life, age more slowly, while sedentary flamingos reproduce earlier and live longer, but experience a more rapid decline in health. These findings shed light on the role of migration in life trajectories and raise questions about its effects on humans.
Dust of the Past, Climate of the Future
November 21, 2025
Une étude révèle qu’au cours du dernier maximum glaciaire (23000-19000 ans BP), une partie des poussières fines déposées en Europe provenait du Sahara. Les chercheurs, de Géosciences Montpellier entre autres, ont procédé à des analyses géochimiques de lœss sur 15 sites européens et ont combiné ces résultats avec des modélisations climatiques. Ils ont pu constater que les particules grossières sont d’origine locale, mais les particules fines (<2 μm) présentent une signature saharienne, preuve d’un transport à longue distance et haute altitude. Ces travaux remettent en cause l’idée d’une poussière glaciaire essentiellement locale et soulignent le rôle du Sahara dans la variabilité climatique passée. Ces découvertes nous permettent également d’affiner nos modèles climatiques dans un contexte de changement global.
Xenoparity: An Astonishing Reproductive Strategy
November 21, 2025
Among the harvester ants Messor ibericus, a new mode of reproduction has just been observed: a queen can give birth to males belonging to two different species. This study, conducted in part by scientists from ISEM and published in *Nature*, established that the queen of *Messor ibericus* is capable of cloning males from a different species (*Messor structor*) to turn them into worker ants, even though these two species diverged more than 5 million years ago. While the phenomena of sperm parasitism and hybridization were already known among ants, this is the first time the need to clone another species has been observed; researchers have named this unprecedented phenomenon “xenoparity .” This discovery shows that two species can become sexually dependent on one another for survival—a strategy unique in the animal kingdom.
The tiger mosquito continues to spread across Europe
September 23, 2025
Native to Southeast Asia, the tiger mosquito is now well known in southern Europe. As a vector for numerous viruses, such as dengue and chikungunya, its spread is a cause for concern. Scientists (notably from MIVEGEC and ASTRE) have modeled its presence in Europe, and it appears that as temperatures rise due to global warming, the tiger mosquito could colonize northern Europe, increasing the epidemiological risk. The study provides a map of the areas that should be monitored as a priority.
Prospects for Improving Millet
September 23, 2025
In sub-Saharan Africa, millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a crucial cereal crop for food security. However, millet yields in this region are low. To improve its productivity and quality, it is essential to better understand the mechanisms governing the uptake, accumulation, transport, and utilization of nutrients. Scientists (notably from UMR DIADE) examined the ion content of leaves (ions being the form in which plants absorb nutrients from the soil) and were able to establish a correlation with the anatomical and morphological characteristics of the roots. They then identified the regions of the genome involved, as well as candidate genes. These findings could lead to the development of higher-yielding millet lines.
The Role of Tarsiers in the Regeneration of Madagascar's Dry Forests
July 24, 2025
Madagascar’s dry forests are naturally fragile ecosystems that regenerate very slowly. Research conducted by the UMR SENS, among others, shows that microcapes—the world’s smallest lemurs—could play a major role in restoring these forests. Indeed, these small animals are particularly adaptable in terms of their diet and habitat. They can thus colonize degraded habitats or early stages of forest succession, unlike larger lemurs, which are more dependent on large fruit trees. Researchers have shown that tarsiers are excellent seed dispersers—not only for herbaceous and shrubby species but also for fruit trees from neighboring forests—and thus play an important role in ecosystem restoration. As a result, they are valuable allies in “facilitated restoration,” a concept that aims to create favorable conditions for nature to regenerate on its own, thereby limiting heavy and costly human interventions.
Latin American Forests and Climate Change
July 24, 2025
About 100 researchers (including members of AMAP and Forêts&Sociétés) conducted a large-scale study on the future of Latin American forests in the face of climate change. To do so, they used data from forest plots that have been monitored for several decades. The researchers observed which tree species were dying, surviving, and/or appearing. They measured the plots’ climatic parameters and the plants’ functional traits. A wide range of forest types was studied: the Amazonian lowlands, the Atlantic Forest, mountain forests, and more. For example, the scientists observed that high-altitude forests appear to adapt better than others, exhibiting greater regeneration dynamics. Conversely, lowland terrestrial forests show a limited ability to adapt to the rapid pace of climate change. These findings raise concerns about the future of these ecosystems, which notably include the Amazon rainforest.
A Guide to Using Bayesian Statistics
April 29, 2025
Bayesian statistics are regularly used in various branches of biology, particularly in the fields of population modeling, species conservation, and the assessment of anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems. However, this statistical method, which is perceived as difficult to master, intimidates some researchers.
In an article published in PLOS Computational Biology, a team from CEFE and their international colleagues offer a guide consisting of ten tips to help researchers adopt the Bayesian approach, avoid pitfalls, and follow best practices.
Local Agriculture in School Cafeterias in the South
April 16, 2025
“End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture”—this is the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2. Researchers (from the MOISA and QUALISUD joint research units, among others) highlight the benefits of local agriculture in this effort, using the example of supplying school cafeterias in the Global South. Local agriculture not only enables a degree of sustainable food sovereignty but also fosters local economic development (production, processing, distribution)—all with a reduced carbon footprint. The scientists present several best practices: assessing and characterizing local food resources; studying, promoting, and/or improving traditional recipes (which are more readily accepted); identifying the best processing systems; fortifying certain foods; and creating innovative ready-to-eat foods… However, these solutions to malnutrition must be supported by proactive public policies, because, as the authors point out, there are currently numerous structural and cyclical obstacles.
Tropical Island Forests and Cyclones
April 16, 2025
Scientists (notably from UMR AMAP) explain how trees in forests regularly exposed to cyclones have developed certain strategies for resistance and resilience. A study conducted with their partners in Fiji and Vanuatu on more than 22,000 trees shows that their structure plays a major role: shorter, wider, and with denser wood, these trees are better able to withstand potential breakage and, to a lesser extent, uprooting. Furthermore, buds located beneath the bark are ready to sprout and replace any branches that may have fallen to the ground. As a result, these forests can recover quickly after a cyclone passes. Nevertheless, their future is uncertain: in the context of global warming, faced with increasingly powerful and frequent cyclones, these forests could become severely compromised.
26th HélioSPIR Meeting
June 24 and 25, 2025, at Agropolis International – 1012 Avenue Agropolis, 34090 Montpellier
The Hélio-SPIR network is organizing its annual “Rencontres” conference, focusing on near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics. The detailed program will be announced soon, but you can register now .
Assessing Agroecology: Between a Global and a Local Approach
March 13, 2025
Today, agroecology is emerging as an alternative to intensive agriculture and a response to the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. However, evaluating it remains difficult. A balance must be struck between a global approach—which allows for the generalization of results and supports public policy—and a local approach, which is costly but enables a more detailed and relevant analysis of local specificities.
As part of the ASSET project, a team of scientists (with the participation of UMR SENS) developed a new method for assessing agroecology based on the creation of a locally adapted “agroecological intensity index,” focus group discussions conducted at the village and district levels, and a visual interpretation of landscapes. The study, conducted in Xiengkhouang Province, Laos, made it possible to map agroecology using fewer financial and human resources than traditional household surveys. While the results are promising, the scientific team believes it can further improve this assessment method and hopes to expand it to other regions.
Studying Hydrogeology at the University of Montpellier
March 13, 2025
Muriel Geeraert, a hydrogeology engineer, tells us about her work as part of the “Porous Media Transport” team at the Montpellier Geosciences Joint Research Unit (UMR). From field studies of coastal aquifers to laboratory work and hands-on exercises for students, Muriel Geeraert enthusiastically describes the variety of tasks she is entrusted with.
IPBES Report: The University of Montpellier’s Involvement
March 13, 2025
IPBES, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, has just published an assessment report on“the underlying causes of biodiversity loss and the drivers of transformative change, and options for achieving the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity,”also known as the report on transformative change. This report, prepared by more than 100 experts from 42 different countries, underscores the urgency of making profound changes to achieve a just and sustainable world and to halt biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse.
To assist with the preparation of this report, a technical support unit—hosted by the University of Montpellier’s Directorate of Structural Programs and based at Agropolis—was established. Laurence Perianin, the unit’s director, takes us behind the scenes of the report’s development.
The Ecology of Fear in Deer
February 12, 2025
The ecology of fear posits that large herbivores modify their foraging behavior and habitat selection based on the risk of predation they face. A study, conducted by researchers from CEFE and ISEM, among others, sheds light on prey-predator interactions and their effects on ecosystems.
Functional diversity and phylogenetic diversity
February 12, 2025
A study conducted by researchers from the CEFE, among others, challenges the notion that phylogenetic diversity and functional diversity are positively correlated. In particular, the study reveals that plant communities composed of species that are evolutionarily closely related can in fact perform very different functions within an ecosystem.
Heterogamety and Aging
February 12, 2025
Heterogametic individuals (those with two different sex chromosomes, such as XY in most mammals) have a shorter lifespan and a lower survival rate than their homogametic counterparts (XX in most mammals). Researchers, notably from ISEM, have studied the African dwarf mouse (Mus minutoides), whose females are unique in that they can exhibit three different genotypes: XX, X’X, or X’Y, with the X’ sex chromosome blocking the male program of the Y chromosome. The research teams observed that, with age, litter sizes in X’Y females decrease more rapidly than in XX or X’X females. Carrying a pair of different sex chromosomes therefore also appears to affect reproductive senescence.
Forest Diversity, Density, and Productivity
January 6, 2025
Forests with greater species richness are, on average, more productive than forests with lower species richness. However, the mechanisms underlying this link between biodiversity and productivity remain a subject of debate.
A study, conducted by researchers from CEFE and AMAP, among others, sheds further light on these mechanisms by highlighting the role of maximum stand density. Indeed, biodiversity could increase the maximum number of trees coexisting in a stand and thereby boost forest productivity.
Discovery of an Immunity Gene in Rice: A Step Forward for Food Security
June 4, 2024
A study conducted with the participation of researchers from UMR PHIM has identified a gene in rice that confers resistance to the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, offering new prospects for the protection of rice and wheat crops. Published in *Nature Plants*, this discovery overturns previous findings and paves the way for a better understanding of plant immunity.
Preventive Management of the Desert Locust to Counter the Effects of Climate Change
May 17, 2024
A study conducted by the UMR CBGP reveals that preventive management measures have successfully counteracted the effects of climate change on desert locust infestations in West and North Africa. By analyzing 40 years of data, the study highlights the crucial importance of these management measures for food security in the region.
The Hybrid Origin of the Heliconius elevatus Butterfly: A New Perspective on Species Diversification
May 13, 2024
A study has shown that the Amazonian butterfly Heliconius elevatus arose from a hybridization between Heliconius pardalinus and Heliconius melpomene 200,000 years ago. The study demonstrates that hybrid speciation can play an important role in species diversification. Researchers from the UMR CEFE participated in this study, which was published in *Nature*.
Tielles sétoises: Where Science Meets Gastronomy
April 26, 2024
Researchers from ISEM and MARBEC participated in a study on the tielle, a local culinary specialty from Sète. Their research showed that the flavor of the tielle depends mainly on how it is prepared rather than on the species of cephalopod used. They also discovered that the Humboldt giant squid is often used, raising questions about the traceability and environmental impact of this traditional dish.
The Rift Valley fever virus is circulating in the forests of Central Africa
April 19, 2024
A Franco-Gabonese study reveals the presence of the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in wildlife in the tropical rainforests of Central Africa. This research, conducted by scientists at UMR MIVEGEC in collaboration with CIRMF and CIRAD and published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, highlights the importance of developing surveillance measures to control this threat to public health.
The Diversification of Flowering Plants: A Very Long History!
April 16, 2024
300 scientists have mapped the tree of life for angiosperms, including researchers from the AMAP and DIADE joint research units (UMRs). Their study, published in *Nature*, reveals the evolutionary history of these dominant flowering plants, confirming an early explosion in their diversity approximately 80 million years ago. This research paves the way for a better understanding of plant diversity and long-term evolution.
The Genomes of Arabica Coffee and Its Parent Species Have Finally Been Decoded
April 15, 2024
A research team from UMR DIADE led a study that sequenced the genome of the coffee plant Coffea arabica and its parent species. The study sheds light on the evolution of this global resource. Published in *Nature Genetics*, the findings highlight the evolutionary history of coffee, which is essential for many countries in the Global South. More than 60 scientists analyzed different Arabica populations to understand its diversification into modern varieties, paving the way for a better understanding and new advances in variety improvement.
Exploring Genetic Interactions to Understand Complex Traits
April 15, 2024
A groundbreaking study on the interactions between genetic variants, conducted in collaboration with IPSIM, pushes the boundaries of research by combining mathematics, genetics, and high-performance computing to explore billions of interactions, thereby opening up vast new possibilities for understanding complex traits.
Study of Climate Transitions: A Solid Foundation for Understanding Abrupt Changes
April 11, 2024
Géosciences Montpellier contributed to a landmark study on abrupt climate change by analyzing variations in oxygen isotopes in Chinese climate records. This research identified 196 transitions over a period of 640,000 years, providing valuable data for understanding past and future climate variations.
Ozone alters the chemical signal required for plant-insect pollination: The case of the Mediterranean fig tree and its specific pollinator
April 1, 2024
A study published in *Science of the Total Environment*, in which researchers from the UMR CEFE participated, reveals the impact of ozone on the pollination signal of the Mediterranean fig tree and its pollinating wasp. High ozone levels disrupt the compounds emitted by the fig tree, thereby reducing its attractiveness to its pollinator.
The Complex Genetic Code of Sugar Cane Decoded
March 27, 2024
The complex genome of sugarcane has been sequenced. This major breakthrough, published in *Nature* and involving the UMR AGAP, opens up new avenues for identifying genes of agronomic interest, thereby offering the potential to accelerate the breeding of varieties better suited to future environmental conditions.
A rich coastal ecosystem dating back 125,000 years discovered beneath Ariane 6 in French Guiana
March 26, 2024
Researchers from ISEM, GéoSciences, and the University of French Guiana have discovered a 125,000-year-old coastal ecosystem beneath the Ariane 6 launch site in French Guiana. This discovery, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights a fossil assemblage comprising more than 270 species, providing insight into the undisturbed tropical coastal ecosystems of the equatorial Atlantic. These findings also underscore the potential impact of climate change on species threatened with extinction.
Click, click: Photography as a Tool for Research on the Food Environment
March 25, 2024
A recent study, conducted in collaboration with UMR MOISA, examines the growing use of participatory photography in research on food environments. This approach allows participants to document their experiences and offers unique insights into human interactions with food, while highlighting the importance of greater participant involvement.
Llamas restore the soil and vegetation after glaciers retreat
March 21, 2024
Researchers from the UMR AMAP participated in a study revealing that llamas have a positive impact on soil and vegetation regeneration following glacial retreat in the Cordillera Blanca in Peru. Their grazing, trampling, and defecation help enrich the soil and promote plant growth. This discovery opens up new possibilities for ecosystem conservation in the face of global glacial retreat.
Biodiversity protects forests from the effects of climate change
March 18, 2024
Studies conducted with the participation of the UMR CEFE have revealed the crucial importance of biodiversity in protecting ecosystems from adverse climatic conditions. These studies highlight that plant diversity helps regulate microclimates and enhances ecosystem processes such as decomposition, underscoring the importance of preserving species diversity in ecosystem management to protect them from the effects of global warming.
Improving the Dialogue Between Water Sciences and Society
March 8, 2024
A hydrology study in which the UMR G-Eau participated highlights the discrepancies between policymakers’ expectations and scientific practices in Tunisia. The researchers propose four areas for improvement to strengthen the dialogue between hydrology and society. They suggest clarifying the values underpinning the relationship between scientists and society, reintegrating hydrology into the social sphere, expanding research partnerships, and revising scientific practices to foster dialogue between theoretical and practical approaches.
Impacts of Agricultural Deforestation on Biodiversity: Discovery of Long-Overlooked Factors
March 8, 2024
A meta-analysis coordinated by Peking University, in which the SENS Joint Research Unit participated, has revealed that the effects of agricultural activities on biodiversity vary considerably around the world. The results of this study, published in *Nature Ecology & Evolution*, indicate that environmental constraints—whether natural or human-induced—play a crucial role in the selection of species tolerant to disturbances.
A large-scale study on fish size to better understand the impact of human activities and the importance of marine protected areas
March 7, 2024
A study published in *Science*, in which the MARBEC research unit participated, analyzes the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) on the size of pelagic and benthic fish. The results show that the effect of MPAs varies depending on distance from the coast, with greater protection for pelagic fish in more distant areas, highlighting the importance of spatial management for restoring fish populations.
Silence, It Mutates: The Origin of Heritable Mutations in Trees
February 29, 2024
Researchers, including the AMAP research unit, studied the genetic diversity of tropical trees in French Guiana, revealing that acquired mutations are passed on to seeds, enhancing their adaptation to environmental changes. This discovery, published in PNAS, is based on DNA sequencing of branches exposed to sunlight, demonstrating the heritability of these mutations in the fruits.
Discovery of a New Role for the Microbiota in Fruit Flies
February 22, 2024
A recent study by the UMR CBGP reveals a new role for the microbiota in fruit flies, particularly Drosophila suzukii, a pest of soft fruit crops. Researchers have discovered that female D. suzukii avoid laying eggs in fruits containing D. melanogaster larvae, as they are repelled by the larvae’s microbiota. This discovery opens up new avenues for protecting crops against D. suzukii by exploiting this egg-laying avoidance behavior, which is based on the detection of other species’ microbiota.
Seaports: Hotspots for a Contagious Disease Among Mussels
February 21, 2024
Researchers from the CNRS and the University of Montpellier have discovered that ports facilitate the spread of this disease among different mussel beds through maritime transport. They recommend policies to limit this phenomenon and protect coastal environments.
The wildlife extinction crisis and climate change 34 million years ago in France (Quercy, Occitanie)
January 9, 2024
Researchers at ISEM conducted a study examining the impact of abiotic and biotic factors on the diversity of endemic European artiodactyls during the Great Extinction Event. The results suggest that the decline in endemic artiodactyls was linked to major environmental changes rather than active competition with immigrant species.
Wildflowers are abandoning pollinating insects
December 20, 2023
Interactions between plants and pollinators have evolved since the dawn of angiosperms, but current environmental changes are causing a decline in pollinator populations. A study of field pansies in the Paris region shows a rapid increase in self-pollination and changes in traits that make the plants less attractive to pollinators, demonstrating the rapid evolution of plant reproductive systems.
Acoustics Reveals the Keys to the Vertical Distribution of Marine Animal Biomass
December 19, 2023
Researchers from UMR MARBEC participated in a study examining the relationships between oceanographic variables and the distribution of pelagic organisms in the southwestern tropical Atlantic. Using acoustic and species distribution data, this study shows that chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen, currents, and stratification play a key role in the distribution of pelagic communities. The importance of these factors varies depending on the area, depth, and diurnal cycle, thereby influencing the vertical structure of pelagic ecosystems.
Aquatic viruses reveal the impact of wastewater: new insights for public health
December 19, 2023
Researchers from UMR MARBEC participated in a study on the aquatic viromes of the Ebrié Lagoon in Côte d’Ivoire, which is impacted by wastewater. The study reveals differences between the DNA viromes of plankton and sediments, independent of eutrophication. RNA viromes varied across sites, revealing viral sequences linked to fecal contamination and human pathogens, primarily in the most affected areas. These results suggest that virome analysis could be a valuable tool for assessing human contamination of aquatic ecosystems.
Spotlight on Fonio, an African Grain
December 19, 2023
The use of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) in agrosystems offers solutions to the challenges posed by global changes. A study conducted by researchers from the DIADE and AGAP units on the largest collection of fonio to date assessed its genetic diversity. By providing easy access to the results via a user-friendly Shiny application, this study enhances the effectiveness of research and opens new avenues for improving fonio and indigenous crops as valuable resources for the future.
Healthy Soil: An Open Dialogue Between Agriculture and Science
December 13, 2023
Soils play a vital role in the development of sustainable agricultural practices. To improve the sustainability of agriculture, it is crucial to promote and monitor the ecological functions of soil, as illustrated by a method called SE-CURE and a case study in Madagascar conducted by researchers at UMR Eco&Sols.
Diet and Cancer: Links Preserved in the Tree of Life
December 13, 2023
Researchers from the MIVEGEC unit participated in a study exploring the impact of diets on tumor formation in various multicellular organisms. This research shows that high-calorie diets promote the emergence and progression of tumors, while lower-calorie diets offer some protection, though they cannot cure the disease.
Arthropod Vectors: The Risks of Disease and Biological Invasions
December 7, 2023
An international team, including researchers from UMR MIVEGEC, examined the biology and ecology of blood-feeding arthropods, such as ticks and mosquitoes, whose global spread is linked to disease transmission. The proliferation of blood-feeding arthropods, particularly mosquitoes, poses major challenges to human health. The studies focused on the genetic plasticity and complex interactions of these vectors in new environments.
Bacteria to Reduce the Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides in Agriculture
December 1, 2023
Researchers at UMR PHIM, in collaboration with scientists from Burkina Faso, are exploring the bacterial community associated with rice roots, with the goal of sustainably improving rice cultivation. By studying the root microbiota of rice, this team seeks to identify beneficial bacteria, understand their diversity and how they are influenced by farming practices, and highlight the need to develop appropriate culture media to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria associated with rice, thereby improving its health and productivity.
Presentation of the book “Wine: 60 Keys to Understanding Oenology”
December 4, 2023
Fabienne Remize, a biologist specializing in wine microorganisms, presents the book *Le Vin: 60 clés pour comprendre l’œnologie* alongside Véronique Cheynier on the show *AUM science*. The program explores the history of wine, dating back 50 million years to the first traces of wild grapes, up to the advent of viticulture approximately 11,000 years ago. Wine, which features in many myths, is a symbol of spirituality, divinity, and wisdom, while also being associated with taboos and persistent medical controversies, evoking 2,500-year-old debates initiated by Hippocrates.
ERC Starting Grant
December 4, 2023
Paul Antonio, a paleomagnetism researcher at the Montpellier Geosciences Laboratory, has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant for his UBEICH project, which aims to refine the dating of the Earth’s inner core. His innovative experimental method involves customizing equipment to analyze magnetic signals at the mineral scale, offering crucial insights into the crystallization of the Earth’s core approximately one billion years ago. His unconventional career path—from teaching to international research—has led him to this success and to the exploration of fundamental geological themes on a global scale.
CeMEB will participate in the AdNatura Fair and will be at the University of Montpellier’s booth
December 12 and 13, 2023
2 sessions:
- CeMEB Session – December 13, 9:30–11:30 a.m.: Room A, Conference Center.
OneHealth: An internationally adopted research approach and its applications worldwide and in France. More information. - RiVOC-BIODOVOC-CeMEB Session: December 13, 1:45–3:15 p.m. Room C, Conference Center.
The One Health Approach in Regions of Occitanie: A Few Case Studies – BiodivOc, LabEx CeMEB, RIVOC.
The Complex Origins of Viticulture in the Western Mediterranean
November 15, 2023
Researchers from ISEM (CNRS, IRD, UMontpellier) participated in a study on grape seeds from the Middle Bronze Age in southern Italy. Published in the journal *Scientific Reports*, this research highlights the early presence of viticulture prior to the arrival of Greek settlers. The findings suggest that the grapevine was introduced from the eastern Mediterranean between 1,450 and 1,200 BCE, revealing a complex process involving hybridization with wild grapevines during the early stages of local viticulture.
Innovation Forum 2023 – Innovating for Collaborative and Sustainable Water Management
November 13 and 14, 2023
The 2023 Innovation Forum explores innovations for sustainable water management in response to climate change and increasing urbanization. It is being held in Montpellier, a major global hub for this issue, with the participation of key stakeholders, with the aim of analyzing the developments and impacts of innovations in water management.
Symposium: “Water in Montpellier?”
November 9 and 10, 2023
The symposium “Water in Montpellier” addresses issues related to water, climate change, and population growth, with the aim of raising awareness, promoting local research, and encouraging collective action toward the responsible use of water.
It is organized by the Montpellier Academy of Sciences and Letters in partnership with Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, the UNESCO International Center ICIREWARD, and the University of Montpellier, with support from the Aqua-Valley cluster.
Major tipping-point events have shaped the evolution of the climate system
October 18, 2023
As part of the European TiPES project, an international team—including scientists from CNRS-INSU (OREME)—has identified two major climate shifts over the past 66 million years. The first resulted from the Chicxulub meteorite impact approximately 65.5 million years ago, while the second is linked to the onset of glaciation in the Southern Hemisphere 34 million years ago.
When Bacteria Team Up with a Virus to Kill Oysters
October 17, 2023
Scientists from IHPE, MARBEC, and CRIOBE, in collaboration with their colleagues in Brittany, have studied the interactions between viruses and bacteria in Pacific oyster mortality syndrome (POMS). They have identified cooperative bacteria that accelerate the disease by compromising the oysters’ immune systems, thereby opening up new avenues for disease control.
AfriMAQUA International Conference
October 23–28, 2023
The Marbec unit is helping to organize a conference as part of the AfriMAQUA project (nutrition-sensitive marine aquaculture in Africa). This conference brings together scientists from the North and the South to discuss multidisciplinary topics related to the aquatic food system and marine aquaculture in Africa.
Science Festival 2023 with Marbec
October 2023
“Improving Feed Efficiency in Fish: Let’s Get Down to Business”
October 5, 2023
On October 5, 2023, the MARBEC research unit organized a seminar on the topic “Improving the Feed Efficiency of Fish,” presented by François ALLAL (IFREMER MARBEC researcher).
Orchids of Madagascar: Current State of Knowledge and Conservation
September 28, 2023
An orchid conservation project in Madagascar launched by UMR AMAP highlights the richness and vulnerability of this endemic family. The comprehensive survey of 913 species—83.1% of which are endemic—underscores the importance of the conservation efforts underway.
Developing more sustainable agricultural practices by designing crop mixtures
September 13, 2023
A study conducted by researchers from the Phim, AGAP, CEFE, and EPHE units, along with a Chinese laboratory, shows that mixing different crop varieties is a potential way to control outbreaks at the field level in agriculture. However, its effectiveness varies and is often unpredictable, influenced by factors such as neighborhood-modulated susceptibility, in which the presence of healthy neighboring plants affects the vulnerability of a given plant.
The order Hymenoptera, which includes wasps, ants, sawflies, and bees, is highly diverse
March 10, 2023
A study involving researchers from the CBGP Center (INRAe, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro, University of Montpellier) shows that parasitism has been a dominant strategy since the Late Triassic, but it was the transitions to a secondary plant-based diet that most influenced diversification within this order.
The Domestication of the Safoutier Tree as Reflected in Local Names
July 27, 2023
In Cameroon, the safoutier tree is widely cultivated for its fruit, which is essential to the local diet and economy. A Franco-Cameroonian study involving researchers from the DIADE and SENS joint research units examined the diversity of names and preferences for these fruits among tree owners. It reveals morphological, taste-related, and symbolic criteria, as well as consumers’ dietary preferences and commercial considerations, that influence the classification of safoutier trees.
Is the pirarucú introduced to Bolivia a apex predator?
September 12, 2023
Arapaima gigas is a giant freshwater fish that was introduced to the Bolivian Amazon in the 1960s. Its enormous size (3 m long and weighing up to 200 kg) has raised concerns among local fishermen, who blame it for the decline in catches of traditional commercial species.
A recent study has concluded that A. gigas is an omnivore rather than a specialized piscivore and suggests that the impact of its introduction may be less significant than previously thought.
An Unexpected Ally in Monitoring Zoonotic Risks
From now on, it is no longer necessary to handle and draw blood from wild animals to analyze and monitor the emergence of zoonotic diseases. A team of Gabonese and French researchers, including those from MIVEGEC, has adopted a less invasive and less time-consuming method. This involves analyzing the blood found in the digestive tract of tsetse flies to identify the infectious agents it contains and the animal they infect.
The ICIREWARD Center is partnering with the What A Trip! Festival in Occitanie for the first time.
It will propose several measures:
- An exhibition titled “Water: The Challenge of the Future”
- Activities related to the exhibition.
- Educational Lectures
- And school workshops
Soil Carbon: A Global Overview of the Impacts of Human Activities
June 22, 2023
Human activities have a profound impact on soil organic carbon (SOC), which affects its contribution to ecosystem services such as climate regulation.
A study conducted by researchers from CIRAD, both in Montpellier and abroad, based on 25,000 experiments, identified effective agricultural land management practices for restoring soil carbon, such as agroforestry and the use of organic amendments.
How did the armyworm invade four continents?
June 20, 2023
The fall armyworm threatens corn production. Native to the Americas and first reported in West Africa, it has quickly spread across much of the continent, as well as to Asia and Oceania. It can cause losses of more than 50% of corn production.
Inbreeding Among Circumpolar Orcas
June 8, 2023
Long-term isolation of a population of orcas living in the Southern Hemisphere is believed to be the cause of a particularly high rate of inbreeding within this population. This is what an analysis of the population’s genome reveals. The study is being conducted by an international team, including a researcher from the MARBEC research unit (IRD, Ifremer, University of Montpellier, CNRS).
Inauguration in Sète of the Coastal and Marine Center (Celimer): Building Bridges Between Economic and Research Stakeholders
June 2, 2023
Celimer is the Coastal and Marine Research Center, which opened on June 2, 2023, at the IFREMER facility in Sète. The center is the result of a scientific partnership between IFREMER and IRD, in collaboration with the CNRS and the University of Montpellier.
PaléoJump: A New Database on Past Climates
June 1, 2023
The PaleoJump database provides access to high-quality data on past climates, particularly to help understand and study tipping points.
Read more…
Arctic Marine Megafauna in the Face of Climate Change
May 23, 2023
Large marine mammals are threatened. The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the planet.
Four CNRS Researchers Awarded the Prestigious 2022 ERC Grant
May 9, 2023
- The 2022 Advanced Fellowship was awarded to researcher Thomas LENORMAND, a research director at the CNRS (CEFE – CNRS / UM EPHE / IRD), for his project “The Evolution of Cis and Trans Regulators in Eukaryotes (RegEvol).”
- The 2022 Consolidator Grant was awarded to Nadine LAGUETTE, Director of Research IGMM (CNRS / UM), for her project “Charting Cell Type-Specific Nucleic Acid Immunity (SENTINEL)”
- Starting Scholarship 2022 allocated to:
- Jeanne Tonnabel, a research fellow at the CNRS at ISEM (CNRS / UM IRD / EPHE), with her project “The Scope for Sexual Selection in Plants / SEXIPLANTS”
- Vivian Poulin, CNRS research fellow at the LUPM laboratory (UM), for his project “New Crisis and Old Mysteries: Resolving Cosmic Tensions to Reveal the Dark Sector (NewRecords)”
A mechanism for protecting wood in trees 360 million years ago
April 27, 2023
A study conducted by the AMAP laboratory in collaboration with other international laboratories (in Ireland, Belgium, and Germany) and published in the journal *Nature Plants* presents fossil evidence of tyllose formation in the xylem vessels of Upper Devonian plants, shedding light on our understanding of how ancient plants responded to injury and infection.
Soaked to the Ears: Multiple Aquatic Adaptations in Hippopotamoids
April 20, 2023
A study conducted by scientists, including researchers from ISEM (CNRS, IRD, EPHE, UMontpellier), examines the aquatic adaptations of fossil hippopotamoids by studying their morphology and morphometric characteristics, with a focus on the petrous bone and the cochlea.
The results of this study show that hippopotamoids and cetaceans have convergently acquired semi-aquatic traits, which challenges the idea that these two groups acquired semi-aquatic behaviors once, at an early stage of their evolutionary history.