Navigating cancer: Insights from patient journey mapping Background Cancer is an increasing public health problem in South Africa, with breast cancer being the most diagnosed cancer and cervical cancer the leading cause of cancer deaths among women.…

Day and colleagues highlight the potential of patient mapping of breast and cervical cancer to show where systems and services fall short, but also to demonstrate opportunities for strengthening a patient-responsive health system.

plos.io/41HXtA1

Effects of a native avian predator (weka; Gallirallus australis) and colony density on breeding success of a burrow-nesting seabird (tītī; Ardenna grisea) As island ecosystems are restored, native predators are recovering and re-establishing interactions with their prey. However, compared with widely-publicised impacts of invasive predators, little is…

A new study by Carpenter and colleagues finds a native avian predator (weka) has little overall impact on burrow-nesting tītī seabird breeding success, with larger, denser colonies buffering predation, although risks may rise if tītī populations decline.

Sexual harassment protocols at the European universities: An overview of key components and recommendations for improvement Protocols against sexual harassment (SH) have been widely adopted in European universities as part of a broader structural gender approach in higher education and research institutions. However,…

Berbegal-Bernabeu and colleagues compare the implementation success of protocols against sexual harassment at several European universities. While some are comprehensive and thorough, others demonstrate weaknesses in implementation and practical applications.

The first non-mammalian synapsid embryo from the Triassic of South Africa Oviparity was likely the plesiomorphic reproductive condition for non-mammalian Synapsida, the stem-mammal group. Yet, despite nearly two centuries of research, no definitive fossil eggs of late Palae...

First-Ever Egg of a Mammal Ancestor Discovered!
Research by myself, Julien Benoit (Wits) and Vincent Fernandez (ESRF) presents the first-ever egg of the therapsid Lystrosaurus, finally answering the question: Did the ancestors of mammals lay eggs? Yes, they did!
doi.org/10.1371/jour...

Proto-mammals laid eggs, paleontologists finally confirm Lystrosaurus fills in a major evolutionary gap.

New research concludes that Lystrosaurus, a dicynodont therapsid that lived before the Permian extinction and which are considered ancestors to mammals were egg layers. 🧪www.popsci.com/science/did-mammal-ances...

5-HT1B receptor agonists promote Schwann cell myelination Congenital demyelinating peripheral neuropathy causes severe sensorimotor defects, affecting patient mobility. To identify therapeutic compounds for peripheral hypomyelinating neuropathy, we…

A new study by Kobayashi‑Ujiie and colleagues shows that 5‑HT1B receptor agonists like zolmitriptan promote Schwann cell myelination and improve peripheral nerve function in a mouse model of congenital demyelinating neuropathy.

Aeroponic cultivation of lettuce: Unravelling varietal performance and trait interrelationships for enhanced productivity Aeroponic systems offer a sustainable and efficient platform for cultivating high-quality leafy greens, such as lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). This study investigated the performance of five distinct…

Sahil and colleagues present a study of lettuce cultivars grown aeroponically, a space-saving soilless method that promotes growth while using less water. They found leaf morphology and chlorophyll content to be the most important characteristics for strong aeroponic growth.

plos.io/4vj5QiH

Postgraduate students’ perceptions of artificial intelligence integration in research: A cross-sectional study Background Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly used in academic research, yet evidence on postgraduate students’ perceptions remains limited in non-Western…

Research by Alenezi and colleagues shows that healthcare students recognize important AI challenges such as data privacy, ethical responsibility, algorithmic bias, and academic integrity, and approach AI as thoughtful, informed users rather than simply embracing or rejecting it.

Sexual harassment protocols at the European universities: An overview of key components and recommendations for improvement Protocols against sexual harassment (SH) have been widely adopted in European universities as part of a broader structural gender approach in higher education and research institutions. However,…

Berbegal-Bernabeu and colleagues compare the implementation success of protocols against sexual harassment at several European universities. While some are comprehensive and thorough, others demonstrate weaknesses in implementation and practical applications.

Molecular evidence of recent hybridization between eastern and western populations of a whitefly species on cassava in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A potential threat to the spread of cassava brown streak disease Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) are two viral diseases that threaten cassava production in the East and Central African countries. These diseases are spread by…

A new study by Likiti Kola and colleagues presents molecular evidence of recent hybridisation between eastern and western whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) populations on cassava in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raising concerns for the spread of cassava brown streak disease.

Postgraduate students’ perceptions of artificial intelligence integration in research: A cross-sectional study Background Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly used in academic research, yet evidence on postgraduate students’ perceptions remains limited in non-Western…

Research by Alenezi and colleagues shows that healthcare students recognize important AI challenges such as data privacy, ethical responsibility, algorithmic bias, and academic integrity, and approach AI as thoughtful, informed users rather than simply embracing or rejecting it.

Molecular evidence of recent hybridization between eastern and western populations of a whitefly species on cassava in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A potential threat to the spread of cassava brown streak disease Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) are two viral diseases that threaten cassava production in the East and Central African countries. These diseases are spread by…

A new study by Likiti Kola and colleagues presents molecular evidence of recent hybridisation between eastern and western whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) populations on cassava in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raising concerns for the spread of cassava brown streak disease.

We are pleased to share our new paper on the Iberian Aurignacian. We employed a quantitative approach to explore techno-typological variability and test its spatio-temporal dimension.
@palomadelalasca.bsky.social

Paper: doi.org/10.1371/jour...

Editorial Spotlight: Mahmoud Yaish - EveryONE This interview and blog post was prepared by PLOS One Associate Editor Sarah Jose. Professor Mahmoud Yaish earned his Ph.D. in Biological…

In our latest Editorial Spotlight, Academic Editor Mahmoud Yaish talks to staff editor @sarahjose.bsky.social about his research on plant stress physiology, ensuring fair and thorough peer review, and the importance of #OpenScience.

everyone.plos.org/2026/04/13/e...

Unpacking lithic assemblage variability in the Early Upper Palaeolithic: A multivariate approach to the structure of the Iberian Aurignacian The Aurignacian technocomplex of the Early Upper Palaeolithic remains a long-standing focal point for understanding the expansion of modern humans across Europe. Diagnostic assemblages occur across…

A new study by Canessa and de la Peña uses multivariate analysis of Early Upper Palaeolithic stone tools across the Iberian Aurignacian to show that lithic assemblage variability increases with geographic distance, challenging broad cross‑regional models of culture.

plos.io/4sNETCr

A promotional image for PLOS One featuring an abstract, colorful design resembling an eye. Text reads: "The ethics engine: can we build AI that healthcare can trust? Explore why the future of healthcare AI depends not just on innovation, but on transparency, fairness, and accountability.

AI is reshaping healthcare, but it can also amplify bias and obscure accountability. This research examines how ethical frameworks can improve transparency, reduce harm, and build trust in clinical AI systems.

🔗 Learn more: plos.io/476dsuC

Effects of two side-by-side camera trap deployments on estimations of richness, abundance, and the detection of medium- and large-sized mammals Medium- and large-sized mammals play key ecological roles but remain difficult to monitor due to low detectability and logistical constraints. Camera traps are widely used to address these…

A new study by Guerrero‑Vázquez and colleagues shows that deploying two side‑by‑side camera traps per site significantly increases detected species richness, number of photographic records, and reduces time to first detection for medium and large mammals in biodiversity surveys.

Editorial Spotlight: Mahmoud Yaish - EveryONE This interview and blog post was prepared by PLOS One Associate Editor Sarah Jose. Professor Mahmoud Yaish earned his Ph.D. in Biological…

In our latest Editorial Spotlight, Academic Editor Mahmoud Yaish talks to staff editor @sarahjose.bsky.social about his research on plant stress physiology, ensuring fair and thorough peer review, and the importance of #OpenScience.

everyone.plos.org/2026/04/13/e...

Aeroponic cultivation of lettuce: Unravelling varietal performance and trait interrelationships for enhanced productivity Aeroponic systems offer a sustainable and efficient platform for cultivating high-quality leafy greens, such as lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). This study investigated the performance of five distinct…

Sahil and colleagues present a study of lettuce cultivars grown aeroponically, a space-saving soilless method that promotes growth while using less water. They found leaf morphology and chlorophyll content to be the most important characteristics for strong aeroponic growth.

plos.io/4vj5QiH

Niche partitioning facilitates coexistence of three apex predators in the Lapchi Valley, Central Himalaya, Nepal Large carnivores increasingly coexist in human-modified mountain landscapes, yet empirical evidence on how multiple apex predators partition space, time, and resources to reduce competition remains…

A new study by Narayan Prasad Koju, @rckglobal.bsky.social and colleagues finds snow leopards, leopards, and Himalayan wolves coexist in Nepal via niche partitioning, differing in diet despite spatial and temporal overlap, reducing competition in alpine ecosystems.

plos.io/4v4kNVS

Introducing Clair Barnes and Christian Huggel, new Section Editors for Climate Impacts and Attribution at PLOS Climate - Latitude We are delighted to introduce Clair Barnes (Imperial College London, UK) and Christian Huggel (University of Zurich, Switzerland) as the Section Editors…

Meet our new Section Editors for Climate Impacts & Attribution: @clairbarnes.bsky.social of @wwattribution.bsky.social/@imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social & Christian Huggel of the University of Zurich!

Read about their work & the types of submissions they encourage 👇

latitude.plos.org/2026/04/intr...

On the ability of proglacial lake diatoms to reconstruct Antarctic past ozone changes The depletion of Antarctic stratospheric ozone since the 1970s, and the resulting increase in UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, have posed a well-recognized threat to polar aquatic and…

Oaquim and colleagues use diatoms to reconstruct Antarctic past ozone changes. Their results indicate that the magnitude of recent ozone depletion is unprecedented over the past 7,700 years.

5-HT1B receptor agonists promote Schwann cell myelination Congenital demyelinating peripheral neuropathy causes severe sensorimotor defects, affecting patient mobility. To identify therapeutic compounds for peripheral hypomyelinating neuropathy, we…

A new study by Kobayashi‑Ujiie and colleagues shows that 5‑HT1B receptor agonists like zolmitriptan promote Schwann cell myelination and improve peripheral nerve function in a mouse model of congenital demyelinating neuropathy.

The effect of game-based education on adherence to treatment and anxiety level in type 2 diabetics started on insulin therapy Background Insulin initiation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often hindered by anxiety and poor treatment compliance. Although game-based learning may enhance patient engagement, evidence…

Erdem and Düzgün found that game-based education using the “Let’s Learn Diabetes” board game is more effective than standard lecture-based education in enhancing treatment compliance and reducing anxiety among individuals initiating insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes.

plos.io/4sZrHdr

On the ability of proglacial lake diatoms to reconstruct Antarctic past ozone changes The depletion of Antarctic stratospheric ozone since the 1970s, and the resulting increase in UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, have posed a well-recognized threat to polar aquatic and…

Oaquim and colleagues use diatoms to reconstruct Antarctic past ozone changes. Their results indicate that the magnitude of recent ozone depletion is unprecedented over the past 7,700 years.

Niche partitioning facilitates coexistence of three apex predators in the Lapchi Valley, Central Himalaya, Nepal Large carnivores increasingly coexist in human-modified mountain landscapes, yet empirical evidence on how multiple apex predators partition space, time, and resources to reduce competition remains…

A new study by Narayan Prasad Koju, @rckglobal.bsky.social and colleagues finds snow leopards, leopards, and Himalayan wolves coexist in Nepal via niche partitioning, differing in diet despite spatial and temporal overlap, reducing competition in alpine ecosystems.

plos.io/4v4kNVS

Habitat context affects sediment nitrogen burial by restored Eastern Oyster reefs Oysters perform essential functions in estuarine environments. Reef restoration has recently become the subject of significant attention to reestablish populations after historic losses and to…

A new study by @annesmiley.bsky.social and colleagues shows that restored Eastern oyster reefs’ habitat context significantly influences sediment nitrogen burial rates, highlighting how restoration can increase nitrogen removal in coastal ecosystems.

plos.io/3NXJanm

Carved in stone: Experimental criteria for identifying Paleolithic bas-relief production techniques and sculptors’ expertise Paleolithic bas-relief is a rare yet technically demanding form of parietal art whose production methods and skill requirements remain poorly understood. Investigating their production is essential…

A new study by Brochard and colleagues experimentally replicates Paleolithic bas-relief carving, showing how techniques and expertise shape surface traces, and providing new criteria to identify methods and skill in prehistoric art.

Archaeometric analysis of Early Bronze Age bread from Küllüoba Höyük Bread is a fundamental foodstuff that has driven social and technological development for millennia, with the earliest evidence dating to pre-agricultural societies. While archaeological sites from…

A new study by Kavak and colleagues reports archaeometric analysis of a ~5,000‑year‑old carbonized bread from Küllüoba Höyük (Turkey), revealing ingredients (emmer wheat & legumes) and microstructure that shed light on Early Bronze Age food technology and ritual use.

plos.io/4chMXp0

New #PerSVR Study research published in @plosone.org finds high prevalence of mental health conditions and depression among patients treated for #HCV, highlighting a need to pair mental health screening and HCV treatment.

journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...