PLOSable Biology

Scientists are learning new things every day. They are also writing about their discoveries. In most cases they publish in science magazines called journals like the Public Library of Science (PLOS). In our PLOSable section you will find stories that will help you read and explore the articles written by scientists.

Now jump in and start exploring PLOSable - a place where firsthand science is only a mouse click away. If you're interested in diving even further into the world of the scientific article, check out our Anatomy of an Article story. We also have stories exploring articles in evolutionary medicine in our EvMed Edits section.

Shape-shifting Brain Cells

Written by:

Tabitha Green

Recently, scientists have tried to break into the secret world of microglia (the brain’s immune cells). They are trying to figure out how these cells can shape-shift into weird and wonderful formations.

Shimmery Defense

Written by:

Melinda Weaver

Many animals, including humans, build homes to live in. But when you have a home, you often need to work hard to defend it. In this article scientists discovered a peaceful defense mechanism that giant honeybees use to fend off predators and protect their homes.

Shorter Winters and Wolf Leftovers

Written by:

Chelsea Brzezinksi

In Yellowstone National Park, winters are getting shorter and there is less food for scavengers. That’s bad news for scavengers like bears, but could wolves help?

Should Science Teachers Try to Be Funny?

Written by:

Emily Webb and Katelyn Cooper

Many science teachers tell jokes in the classroom, but should they? Scientists found that overall, students like it when their science teachers tell jokes, but girls and boys react differently to certain types of jokes.

Sleeping Secret Behind Bullying Behavior

Written by:

Bethany Vu

Could more sleep make fewer bullies? Scientists have learned that there may be a link between sleep, technology, and bullying behavior.

Sleeping Viruses

Written by:

Ian Vicino

When a virus infects our cells, it can do a lot of damage. But, in some cases, certain viruses get into a cell and go dormant, kind of like they are taking a nap. If we are going to better fight viruses, we need to know what viruses do when they are dormant.

Speed of the Human Brain

Written by:

Devin K. Phillips

The human brain works quickly and handles difficult tasks. Is it just the size of our brains that allows us to do these things? As it turns out, it may also have a lot to do with how well our brain cells can send multiple messages to other cells.

Spicy is Tasty to Tree Shrews

Written by:

Ananya Sen

Tree shrews eat plants that are extremely spicy, while most other animals avoid these plants. What makes them able to stand this spiciness?

Spies Among Ants

Written by:

Tyler Quigley

As most spies know, the best way to infiltrate a group is to look and act like the members of that group. But what does it take to be a spy among ants? One beetle may have figured out the ultimate ant imitation strategy.

Spreading Stories of Sickness

Written by:

Karla Moeller

Watching the news is a daily part of life for some people. What effect does that action have on the rest of your life? Scientists studied whether news reports can influence what you search for or communicate through your network when online.