PLOS One
PulseAugur coverage of PLOS One — every cluster mentioning PLOS One across labs, papers, and developer communities, ranked by signal.
3 day(s) with sentiment data
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Common parasites like Toxoplasma gondii and Demodex mites live in human bodies
The human body serves as a habitat for various parasites, including single-celled organisms and microscopic animals like mites. Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasite, infects a significant portion of the populatio…
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Human chin's evolutionary origins and dimple formation explained
The human chin is a unique evolutionary feature, being the only bony protrusion of its kind among living species. While its exact purpose remains debated, current theories suggest it may be a byproduct of facial shorten…
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Humans can learn echolocation in 10 weeks, rewiring the brain
A study published in PLOS One by researchers at Durham University demonstrated that humans can learn to echolocate within a 10-week training period. This training not only equips individuals with the ability to navigate…
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Scientists cautiously study 'talking dogs' using soundboards to avoid Clever Hans effect
A sheepadoodle named Bunny has learned to use a soundboard with over 100 words, attracting significant online attention and becoming a subject of scientific research. Cognitive scientist Federico Rossano at UC San Diego…
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Evolutionary biologists debate the uvula's role in human speech
The uvula, a small flap of tissue at the back of the human throat, is a feature largely absent in other mammals, including most primates and domestic animals like dogs and cats. Evolutionary biologists debate whether th…
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AI chatbots convincingly impersonate public figures, study finds
A new study published in PLOS One reveals that AI chatbots, specifically GPT-4 Turbo, can convincingly impersonate public figures, generating responses perceived as more authentic and coherent than those of the actual i…
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Saber-toothed cat Smilodon had surprisingly weak bite, study finds
New biomechanical modeling of the saber-toothed cat, Smilodon fatalis, reveals its bite force was significantly weaker than previously assumed, comparable to a large house cat rather than a lion. Researchers found that …
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Biologist explains dog's 'velcro behavior' linked to wolf pack instincts
A biologist explains that a dog's tendency to follow its owner, often called "velcro dog" behavior, stems from the social architecture of pack-hunting wolves. This instinct for proximity-seeking was crucial for survival…
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Belly buttons host diverse microbial ecosystems, revealing evolutionary history
The belly button, often overlooked, serves as a permanent record of an individual's origin and an evolutionary marker for the Eutheria lineage. Research has revealed that these recessed areas host a diverse and structur…
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Neanderthals performed ancient dental surgery 60,000 years ago
Scientists have uncovered evidence suggesting Neanderthals performed invasive dental procedures as early as 60,000 years ago. This discovery, detailed in a PLOS ONE study, indicates a deliberate drilling into a molar to…
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Crocodiles use stealth, bite force, and death roll to hunt large prey
Crocodiles employ a sophisticated predatory system combining stealth, explosive acceleration, and immense bite force to overpower prey much larger than themselves. They exploit the vulnerability of animals needing to dr…
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Psychologists identify 'differentiation of self' as key relationship skill
Psychologists suggest that differentiation of self, the ability to remain emotionally connected to a partner while maintaining a clear sense of one's own identity, is a crucial skill for relationship success. Research, …
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Curiosity rover drills rock free; Arctic seafloor life revealed
NASA's Curiosity rover experienced an unusual incident where a rock became stuck to its drill bit during a sampling attempt on Mars. After several attempts, the rock was dislodged, and the rover can now resume its scien…