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.

Our Bodies, the Tumor Feeders

Written by: Alexis Abboud

When a tumor grows in a human body, you'd think that the body would fight it every way possible. But our bodies build vessels that deliver blood to tumors, helping them to grow. Scientists are trying to figure out why this happens so they can stop our bodies from feeding tumors.

Plant and Microbial Invasions

Written by: Wendal Kane

All over the world, plants are dependent on secret partners—bacteria and fungi—for their survival. But what happens to these relationships if new, exotic plants move into the area?

Planting Pollinator Grocery Stores

Written by: Meghan Duell

When humans build cities, we change the environment a lot for many of the animals living in the area. What can we do to help out the insects and other pollinators living in the city?

Prey Pretend to be Predator

Written by: Zack Graham

If you are a moth, seeing a spider is probably one of your worst nightmares. Biologists have learned that some moths pretend to be spiders to confuse other spiders. Learn more about how these moths survive by fooling their predators.

Proof Is in the Poop

Written by: Han Duerstock

Most people believed that Neanderthals, a species related to humans, were hunters that only ate meat. By taking a look at the Neanderthal’s fossilized poop, scientists discovered that there was more to their diet than just meat.

Ranked and Ready: The Most Important Diseases To Study

Written by: Megan Berry

Are we armed with all the information to fight the worst diseases, even the ones that we’ve just discovered? Scientists wanted to create a list to identify the worst diseases to gain more information and be ready to help treat these diseases.

Rare Species Work Hard

Written by: Natasha Coult

There are different ecosystems all around the world. All of these ecosystems are supported by the animals, plants, and other things living there. Researchers are learning that even the very rare species are important for an ecosystem to survive.

The front of a great white shark, swimming through the water

Rethinking Sharks

Written by: Chelsea Brzezinski

In Peru, how humans feel and what they know and do about sharks can have big consequences. How do human beliefs impact shark conservation?

The huge machine hand of the transformer Bumblebee

Robo-Mutants!

Written by: Craig Trevor Johnson

Mutant robots with six arms and a mind of their own are stuff of science ficiton, right? Scientists are challenging that idea by creating robo-mutants in the lab and seeing how they evolve.

Science of Teamwork

Written by: Viviane Callier

Scientists study the science of basketball teamwork and how different networks can make the difference between winning and losing.

Anyone can use PLOS and PLOS Biology. You do not have to pay to read articles online or to download and print them. With PLOS and PLOS Biology you have first-hand access to the latest science.

Want to write a PLOSable story? Take a look at our Notes to Authors and Artists.

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PLOSable Biology

Our Bodies, the Tumor Feeders

Plant and Microbial Invasions

Planting Pollinator Grocery Stores

Prey Pretend to be Predator

Proof Is in the Poop

Ranked and Ready: The Most Important Diseases To Study

Rare Species Work Hard

Rethinking Sharks

Robo-Mutants!

Science of Teamwork

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

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PLOSable Biology

Be Part of Ask A Biologist

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