Plosable Articles

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.

Fish Out of Water
Written by: 
Daniel Maas

Fish use their two fins and a tail to glide through the ocean, but some fish like the mudskipper use their fins for flopping across land too. Scientists are investigating how fish evolved limbs to walk on dry land.

Fishy Vanishing Act
Written by: 
Rianna Mergens

Some ocean dwelling species are starting to go extinct. Scientists are researching whether how many species there are in an ocean environment has anything to do with this fishy vanishing act.

Written by: 
Jennifer R. Craer

It's pretty easy for people to find their way around, but is it easy for insects? Researchers are finding that even without maps and navigation devices, bumblebees can usually find the best route to take when collecting pollen.

Picture of a rocket launching into space
Written by: 
Pooja Kadaba Ranganath
Exploring space is exciting but are there drawbacks for astronaut immune function? Scientists are investigating how spaceflight affects immunity in fruit flies.
Written by: 
Elizabeth Cook

Birds in the city seem to have endless options of places to eat. How do they choose, and where do they prefer to eat most?

Pterosaur fossil
Written by: 
Leslie Minton
Scientists thought that flying reptiles known as Pterosaurs were slowly dying off before an asteroid caused a huge die-off on Earth. But new fossils found in Africa tell a different story.
A picture taken over an extended time period, showing the glow of luminescent mushrooms, also called "foxfire," on a tree in a forest at night
Written by: 
Elodie Batt
Strange greenish lights can be seen at night in the forest. But who are these pre-planned signals for?
Written by: 
Melinda Weaver

Most humans can determine whether or not they know someone by looking at her or his face. Scientists have discovered that humans are not the only animal with this ability. The cichlid fish can also use facial differences to tell each other apart.

Written by: 
Jonathan Herrea

Time flies when you're having fun, especially when playing video games. Researchers examine how it is that gamers can lose track of time playing their favorite video games.

Written by: 
Meenakshi Balakrishnan

Is there such a thing as too much time on the Internet? Scientists are studying the affects of Internet use and how it can be addictive for some people.

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