PLOS One

PLOS One

@plosone.org

A global, inclusive community of researchers who believe rigorous research deserves to be discoverable, widely disseminated and freely accessible, working to advance science for the benefit of all.

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PLOS One
@plosone.org

PLOS One at 20 🎉 This week from the archive… Does using #Facebook make us less happy? This study explores the real-world effects of social media use on wellbeing, contributing to ongoing debates about digital life. 🔗 plos.io/4pyr61L

PLOS One
@plosone.org

Preschoolers aren’t more creative than adults — they’re just more confident, according to new research from @mbene.bsky.social and colleagues. Children also “practice” creativity more frequently and enjoy it more. plos.io/4Bj6xfb

plos.ioAre children really more creative than adults? A mixed-methods examination of creative performance and experienceIt is widely believed that children are more creative than adults, yet direct empirical tests of this assumption are scarce. A qualitative pre-study indicated that creativity is commonly attributed…

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PLOS One
@plosone.org

What can capuchin monkeys teach us about human evolution? Research led by Susana Carvalho and colleagues found that small vertebrates can be key energy sources when fruit is scarce, offering clues to the roots of predatory behavior. 🔗 plos.io/4jYPvg0

plos.ioSmall vertebrate consumption by capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus): Insights into the human predatory patternThe consumption of small vertebrates occurs to varying degrees among many non-human primates. This dietary element may have constituted an important source of nutrition for early hominins,…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

Analysis of Italian paintings reveals the cultural and culinary significance of the thorny oyster, combining with other historical texts and testimonies to uncover its "forgotten history". plos.io/4efhpRb

journals.plos.orgHidden in historical sources: Rediscovering the thorny oyster (Spondylus gaederopus Linnaeus, 1758) in art, archives, and cultural knowledgeThe thorny oyster (Spondylus gaederopus), a Mediterranean bivalve prised during prehistoric times for its distinctive spiny purple shell, has since been overlooked in cultural and scientific records.…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

A poor-quality diet might exacerbate the effect of genetic predisposition to diabetes, stroke and heart attack in Asian Indian populations, according to a study of 1,020 men and women from Chennai. plos.io/4ykSQJG

journals.plos.orgLow diet quality increases the genetic risk of high blood cholesterol levels in Asian Indian adults [CURES – 165]Background Asian Indians face an increased burden of cardiometabolic diseases, yet the interplay between genetic predisposition and diet quality in this population remains underexplored. This study…

PLOS One reposted

Keaton Smith
@smithk63.bsky.social

It's been a busy year, so I'm excited to share some of my recent work from @samanthalwilson.bsky.social lab! In February, I co-authored a PLOS One paper with Dr. Laiba Jamshed, demonstrating DNA methylation-based profiling to characterize immune cell dynamics during pregnancy doi.org/10.1371/jour...

doi.orgDistinct DNA methylation signatures in maternal blood reveal unique immune cell shifts in preeclampsia and the pregnancy-postpartum transitionPreeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by immune dysregulation and significant risks to maternal and fetal health. While current management relies on high-risk patient monitoring and early diagnosis, these methods are costly and burdensome, especially for low-risk pregnancies. DNA methylation (DNAm) is a type of chemical modification that influences gene expression and has been associated with immune cell dynamics and PE pathogenesis. This study explores whether DNAm-based immune cell composition profiling can provide insights into immune dysregulation associated with PE. By also examining changes in immune cell composition across gestational timepoints and into the postpartum period, we aimed to establish a baseline of healthy immune adaptation during pregnancy, against which PE-related disruptions can be better understood. We conducted a search in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) for DNAm datasets using Illumina 27K, 450K, and EPIC arrays from maternal blood in both healthy and PE pregnancies. We found two studies (GSE37722 and GSE192918) that met our criteria, involving a total of 24 healthy pregnancies and 14 with PE. To estimate immune cell composition (CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, natural killer cells, and B cells) from DNAm data, we applied the deconvolution algorithm developed by Houseman et al (2012). A linear model was used to assess statistical differences in immune cell proportions between PE cases and controls. Longitudinal analyses were also conducted to examine immune cell shifts during pregnancy and postpartum. No significant differences were observed between PE and control groups in any immune cell type. However, longitudinal analyses revealed substantial immune remodeling in the postpartum period, characterized by decreased monocytes and granulocytes, and increased natural killer cells, B cells, and T cells. While subgroup analyses showed some variability in significance, particularly in GSE192918, the overall trends were consistent across datasets, emphasizing the importance of gestational age in immune dynamics. These findings support the use of DNAm profiling as a valuable tool for characterizing immune cell dynamics during pregnancy. Although immune differences between PE cases and controls were not observed with the Houseman method, longitudinal shifts were consistently captured and provide additional insights into the evolution of immune changes from pregnancy to postpartum, supporting the potential of DNAm-based profiling for developing predictive and monitoring tools for pregnancy and pregnancy-related pathology. It is important to note that these analyses were based on a single deconvolution approach applied to a cohort with well-matched clinical criteria; and that differences in study design, timing of sample collection, and cohort characteristics may limit broader generalizability. Future studies leveraging pregnancy-included reference matrices in deconvolution methods and larger, more diverse cohorts are essential to refine the application of DNAm-based immune profiling in pregnancy and pregnancy complications.

PLOS One reposted

hcastelan.bsky.social
@hcastelan.bsky.social

Excited to share our new paper in PLOS ONE, published today! Can phylogenetic reconstruction errors be mistaken for viral reassortment?. 🔗 doi.org/10.1371/jour... #Influenza #Phylogenetics

doi.orgAssessing the impact of phylogenetic reconstruction error on genetic reassortment inference in segmented virusesRecombination is an important process in the evolution of RNA viruses. For viruses with segmented genomes, recombination can occur by reassortment of entire genomic segments. This process has played a...
PLOS One
@plosone.org

When LLMs enable personalized learning, they might enhance students' creativity, particularly by boosting analyzing and creating abilities, according to an observational study of 533 Indonesian students. plos.io/4s3cSa9

journals.plos.orgRedefining creativity in AI era: Bloom’s taxonomy framework and peer interaction elevate higher-order thinking skillsArtificial intelligence is transforming cognitive learning by reshaping pedagogical models and raising questions about its impact on higher-order thinking. AI-driven personalized learning improves…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

New FDA-approved drugs are increasingly being backed by fewer studies, according to research led by Aditya Narayan and colleagues. The team also found growing reliance on industry-sponsored studies and delays in public results reporting. 🔗 Read more: plos.io/4hVzfeu

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PLOS Biology
@plosbiology.org

In the age of generative AI, the assumption that writing a paper requires doing science does not hold. This Perspective by @blekhman.bsky.social argues that the field's response to AI-generated papers should be predicated on clarity of purpose for bioresearch. 🧪 #AcademicSky plos.io/47wZsKo

PLOS One reposted

PLOS
@plos.org

At the heart of this year’s #OpenAccessWeek theme is equity. The 'How Equitable Is It?' Tool we developed alongside @jisc.bsky.social and @coalitions-oa.bsky.social gives libraries and consortia a framework to navigate equity indicators when assessing different publishing models. 🔗 plos.io/4yWHjkX

plos.ioHow Equitable Is It?A framework for assessing scholarly communication models on the axis of equity. Developed by the “Beyond article-based charges” working group, which is convened by cOAlition S, Jisc and PLOS.

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

In the latest of our 20th anniversary blog posts, PLOS editor Jenna Scaramanga explores the studies published in @plosone.org that contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic response, and how open science facilitated evidence-based communication and policy. plos.io/3UDQh7S

plos.ioPLOS One and COVID: How open science supported the global pandemic response - EveryONEThis blog was written and prepared by PLOS editor Jenna Scaramanga Open-access publishing facilitates rigorous peer review and evidence-based communication when it…

PLOS One reposted

Sarah Jose (JoseSci)
@sarahjose.bsky.social

Really interesting to see how #OpenScience was helping people in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the early (April 2020!) insights into the mental health impacts it was having. Great post from Jenna!

PLOS One@plosone.org

In the latest of our 20th anniversary blog posts, PLOS editor Jenna Scaramanga explores the studies published in @plosone.org that contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic response, and how open science facilitated evidence-based communication and policy. plos.io/3UDQh7S

plos.ioPLOS One and COVID: How open science supported the global pandemic response - EveryONEThis blog was written and prepared by PLOS editor Jenna Scaramanga Open-access publishing facilitates rigorous peer review and evidence-based communication when it…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

In the latest of our 20th anniversary blog posts, PLOS editor Jenna Scaramanga explores the studies published in @plosone.org that contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic response, and how open science facilitated evidence-based communication and policy. plos.io/3UDQh7S

plos.ioPLOS One and COVID: How open science supported the global pandemic response - EveryONEThis blog was written and prepared by PLOS editor Jenna Scaramanga Open-access publishing facilitates rigorous peer review and evidence-based communication when it…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

Who is disrupting whom? A recent study led by Ming Fei Li and colleagues found that human and dog nighttime activity is closely linked, with human movement more often preceding dog movement 🐕 🔗 Read more: plos.io/4BjUkqE

plos.ioWho is disrupting whom? Examining the nighttime activity patterns of humans and their dogsFew studies have examined the nighttime dynamic between humans and dogs, but existing research suggests dogs can disrupt human sleep. In this study, we examined the nighttime activity of 25 Canadian…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

A poor-quality diet might exacerbate the effect of genetic predisposition to diabetes, stroke and heart attack in Asian Indian populations, according to a study of 1,020 men and women from Chennai. plos.io/4ykSQJG

journals.plos.orgLow diet quality increases the genetic risk of high blood cholesterol levels in Asian Indian adults [CURES – 165]Background Asian Indians face an increased burden of cardiometabolic diseases, yet the interplay between genetic predisposition and diet quality in this population remains underexplored. This study…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

PLOS One at 20 🎉 This week from the archive… Which writing tool actually makes #researchers more efficient? 📃 This study compares academic writing tools to understand how they affect productivity and efficiency in research. 🔗 plos.io/4fzjfMM #OpenAccessWeek

PLOS One
@plosone.org

Could cats, parasites, and well-being be connected at a national scale? In a study led by Javier I. Borráz-León and colleagues explored links between happiness, cat density, Toxoplasma gondii exposure, and socioeconomic factors across countries. 🔗 plos.io/4BguhAi

journals.plos.orgWealth, health, cats and Toxoplasma gondii: An ecological correlational study of subjective well-being across 93 countriesNational happiness is related not only to socioeconomic factors but also to biological and ecological factors. This ecological correlational study examined associations between national happiness,…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

What can capuchin monkeys teach us about human evolution? Research led by Susana Carvalho and colleagues found that small vertebrates can be key energy sources when fruit is scarce, offering clues to the roots of predatory behavior. 🔗 plos.io/4jYPvg0

plos.ioSmall vertebrate consumption by capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus): Insights into the human predatory patternThe consumption of small vertebrates occurs to varying degrees among many non-human primates. This dietary element may have constituted an important source of nutrition for early hominins,…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

A longitudinal study of >13k children in the UK Millennium Cohort Study found that higher childhood body mass index and fat mass were associated with greater body dissatisfaction at age 14 in both sexes. plos.io/4yu2xFX @yvonne-kelly.bsky.social @anne-mcmunn.bsky.social @francescasolmi.bsky.social

journals.plos.orgAssociations of childhood body composition trajectories and adolescent body dissatisfaction: Longitudinal evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort StudyBody dissatisfaction is common, particularly among those with higher BMIs. Issues with BMI as an adiposity measure may limit our understanding of how body weight is associated with body…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS
@plos.org

It’s #OpenAccessWeek and the theme is “The cost of knowledge.” We have always believed knowledge should be accessible to everyone without barriers. PLOS is proud to have been part of the movement to #OpenAccess, but is it time to move beyond the article? Find out more in our report: plos.io/4hTTf0X

PLOS One
@plosone.org

Who is disrupting whom? A recent study led by Ming Fei Li and colleagues found that human and dog nighttime activity is closely linked, with human movement more often preceding dog movement 🐕 🔗 Read more: plos.io/4BjUkqE

plos.ioWho is disrupting whom? Examining the nighttime activity patterns of humans and their dogsFew studies have examined the nighttime dynamic between humans and dogs, but existing research suggests dogs can disrupt human sleep. In this study, we examined the nighttime activity of 25 Canadian…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

Dogs and owners disturb each other in the night, but still get pretty good sleep. New study in @plosone.org from Ming Fei Li and colleagues finds nighttime activity in dogs and owners are tightly correlated. plos.io/4yFFdGd

journals.plos.orgWho is disrupting whom? Examining the nighttime activity patterns of humans and their dogsFew studies have examined the nighttime dynamic between humans and dogs, but existing research suggests dogs can disrupt human sleep. In this study, we examined the nighttime activity of 25 Canadian…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

One in twenty pet cats in North America might have Giardia infection, with young, male, unneutered cats especially at risk, per analysis of more than 150,000 feline stool samples. New research in @plosone.org from Margaret Wingerd and colleagues. plos.io/4AUAC4h

journals.plos.orgGiardia duodenalis in domestic cats from the US and Canada: Prevalence and zoonotic potentialGiardia duodenalis is a flagellated commensal protozoan that can infect both humans and animals. Infection can result in clinical signs such as diarrhea or, more often, the infection can be…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

Ancient spotted bat samples help researchers understand present-day population dynamics. The new study from Faith M. Walker and colleagues in @plosone.org analyzed Euderma maculatum genetic variation across thousands of years. plos.io/4zs1hnL

journals.plos.orgConservation genetics of the spotted bat: Insights from ancient, historical, and modern samplesSpotted bats (Euderma maculatum) are cryptic (nocturnal, volant, and roost solitarily) and thus their biology remains largely undescribed. Only 35 specimens were known to science before the…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

A longitudinal study of >13k children in the UK Millennium Cohort Study found that higher childhood body mass index and fat mass were associated with greater body dissatisfaction at age 14 in both sexes. plos.io/4yu2xFX @yvonne-kelly.bsky.social @anne-mcmunn.bsky.social @francescasolmi.bsky.social

journals.plos.orgAssociations of childhood body composition trajectories and adolescent body dissatisfaction: Longitudinal evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort StudyBody dissatisfaction is common, particularly among those with higher BMIs. Issues with BMI as an adiposity measure may limit our understanding of how body weight is associated with body…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

Ancient spotted bat samples help researchers understand present-day population dynamics. The new study from Faith M. Walker and colleagues in @plosone.org analyzed Euderma maculatum genetic variation across thousands of years. plos.io/4zs1hnL

journals.plos.orgConservation genetics of the spotted bat: Insights from ancient, historical, and modern samplesSpotted bats (Euderma maculatum) are cryptic (nocturnal, volant, and roost solitarily) and thus their biology remains largely undescribed. Only 35 specimens were known to science before the…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

For #WorldFoodDay, @sarahjose.bsky.social explores research in @plosone.org on climate-proofing our crops, related to this year's theme of 'Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.' Key themes include stress-resistant crops, harnessing natural diversity, and encouraging farmer adoption. plos.io/47WnoH0

plos.ioWorld Food Day: Can we climate-proof our crops? - EveryONEWritten by Sarah Jose, PLOS Editorial Office Every year on 16th October, the world celebrates World Food Day. This event, organised by…

PLOS One reposted

Sarah Jose (JoseSci)
@sarahjose.bsky.social

This #WorldFoodDay, I'm showcasing some recent @plosone.org papers to explore how we might make crops more resilient to #climatechange, with insights into #plantscience, #fungi interactions, and importantly the #socialscience of farmer acceptance! everyone.plos.org/2026/10/15/w... #farming

everyone.plos.orgWorld Food Day: Can we climate-proof our crops? - EveryONEWritten by Sarah Jose, PLOS Editorial Office Every year on 16th October, the world celebrates World Food Day. This event, organised by…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

For #WorldFoodDay, @sarahjose.bsky.social explores research in @plosone.org on climate-proofing our crops, related to this year's theme of 'Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.' Key themes include stress-resistant crops, harnessing natural diversity, and encouraging farmer adoption. plos.io/47WnoH0

plos.ioWorld Food Day: Can we climate-proof our crops? - EveryONEWritten by Sarah Jose, PLOS Editorial Office Every year on 16th October, the world celebrates World Food Day. This event, organised by…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

One in twenty pet cats in North America might have Giardia infection, with young, male, unneutered cats especially at risk, per analysis of more than 150,000 feline stool samples. New research in @plosone.org from Margaret Wingerd and colleagues. plos.io/4AUAC4h

journals.plos.orgGiardia duodenalis in domestic cats from the US and Canada: Prevalence and zoonotic potentialGiardia duodenalis is a flagellated commensal protozoan that can infect both humans and animals. Infection can result in clinical signs such as diarrhea or, more often, the infection can be…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

PLOS One at 20 🎉 This week from the archive… Is #TikTok helping or distorting how we understand #ADHD? This study examines how social media shapes understanding of ADHD, revealing both educational and misleading effects. 🔗 plos.io/4yAFRoz #ADHDAwarenessMonth

PLOS One
@plosone.org

PLOS One at 20 🎉 This week from the archive… Is #TikTok helping or distorting how we understand #ADHD? This study examines how social media shapes understanding of ADHD, revealing both educational and misleading effects. 🔗 plos.io/4yAFRoz #ADHDAwarenessMonth

PLOS One
@plosone.org

Dogs and owners disturb each other in the night, but still get pretty good sleep. New study in @plosone.org from Ming Fei Li and colleagues finds nighttime activity in dogs and owners are tightly correlated. plos.io/4yFFdGd

journals.plos.orgWho is disrupting whom? Examining the nighttime activity patterns of humans and their dogsFew studies have examined the nighttime dynamic between humans and dogs, but existing research suggests dogs can disrupt human sleep. In this study, we examined the nighttime activity of 25 Canadian…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

How neurotic people struggled more in the COVID-19 pandemic: they perceived the risk as higher, exercised less, and drank more alcohol. New research in @plosone.org from Marco Angrisani, Vincenzo Atella, Wändi Bruine de Bruin and Joanna Kopinska. plos.io/3TSsalB

journals.plos.orgHow personality traits shape susceptibility to mental distress in times of crisis: Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemicEmpirical evidence indicates that societal crises and adverse conditions can negatively impact population mental health. The Big Five personality traits – neuroticism, extraversion, openness,…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

How neurotic people struggled more in the COVID-19 pandemic: they perceived the risk as higher, exercised less, and drank more alcohol. New research in @plosone.org from Marco Angrisani, Vincenzo Atella, Wändi Bruine de Bruin and Joanna Kopinska. plos.io/3TSsalB

journals.plos.orgHow personality traits shape susceptibility to mental distress in times of crisis: Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemicEmpirical evidence indicates that societal crises and adverse conditions can negatively impact population mental health. The Big Five personality traits – neuroticism, extraversion, openness,…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

PLOS One at 20 🎉 This week from the archive… Can painting cows like zebras really keep flies away? 🐄🦓 This study tests a simple visual intervention to reduce animal stress and disease caused by insect bites. 🔗 plos.io/4yxOz7j

PLOS One reposted

News Medical
@newsmedical.bsky.social

Ever wondered who wakes up whom at night - you or your dog? 🐾📊 New data shows human movement often comes first, but it's a close call! www.news-medical.net/news/2026101... #Sleep #PetOwners @plosone.org

news-medical.netWho moves first at night, you or your dog?Researchers monitored 25 adults and 38 dogs and found no significant association between bedsharing and objectively measured human sleep duration or efficiency, although owners of multiple dogs report...

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

An international survey study of 64,472 participants shows that among people with a history of sexual abuse, being impulsive is associated with more frequent use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. plos.io/4hG1rRa

journals.plos.orgThe moderating role of impulsivity in the association between sexual abuse and substance use frequency across countries, gender identities, and sexual orientationsThis study examined how impulsivity moderates the relationship between sexual abuse and substance use frequency in a large international sample. Participants (N = 64,472) completed the Alcohol,…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

Senior Editor Avanti Dey reports on the American Psychological Association annual meeting, with key themes being leading through change, intersectionality, the paradox of aging, early career psychologists, and Open Science. @drwendiwilliams.bsky.social @kimberlecrenshaw.bsky.social plos.io/4jee0p7

plos.ioLeading through unity and change: APA 2026 - EveryONEPLOS One Senior staff editor Avanti Dey attended the American Psychological Association (APA) annual convention over three days in August 2026 at…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

An international survey study of 64,472 participants shows that among people with a history of sexual abuse, being impulsive is associated with more frequent use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. plos.io/4hG1rRa

journals.plos.orgThe moderating role of impulsivity in the association between sexual abuse and substance use frequency across countries, gender identities, and sexual orientationsThis study examined how impulsivity moderates the relationship between sexual abuse and substance use frequency in a large international sample. Participants (N = 64,472) completed the Alcohol,…
PLOS One
@plosone.org

Senior Editor Avanti Dey reports on the American Psychological Association annual meeting, with key themes being leading through change, intersectionality, the paradox of aging, early career psychologists, and Open Science. @drwendiwilliams.bsky.social @kimberlecrenshaw.bsky.social plos.io/4jee0p7

plos.ioLeading through unity and change: APA 2026 - EveryONEPLOS One Senior staff editor Avanti Dey attended the American Psychological Association (APA) annual convention over three days in August 2026 at…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS One
@plosone.org

A new study reveals that greater numbers of cats are associated with higher national happiness – consistent with studies on the benefits of pet ownership – but also that greater Toxoplasma prevalence is associated with lower national happiness, despite being spread by cats. plos.io/4hVH0AN

journals.plos.orgWealth, health, cats and Toxoplasma gondii: An ecological correlational study of subjective well-being across 93 countriesNational happiness is related not only to socioeconomic factors but also to biological and ecological factors. This ecological correlational study examined associations between national happiness,…

PLOS One reposted

PLOS
@plos.org

Join us at #LundOnline 2026 in Sweden, 14-16 October 🤝 Come and speak to our team about open access publishing and institutional support. Learn more about how we support libraries and institutions: plos.io/4y1jQOf