Large open health datasets present unique opportunities for studies that when well-designed, conducted, and reported, can offer valuable contributions to health and medicine. However, recent years hav...

In this Editorial, Zulfiqar Bhutta discusses the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 report, outlining why, alongside improved health monitoring, data acquisition, and analytical methods, its continue...

In recognition of World AIDS Day 2025, this Perspective by Gregory Folkers and Anthony Fauci reflects on the progress made in antiretroviral treatments and prevention of HIV/AIDS, highlighting promisi...

Open science often centers around publications and data transparency. This Perspective discusses how and why disseminating results to study participants is essential for maximizing the values and bene...

PLOS Medicine Executive Editor, Helen Lumbard, and Senior Editor, Front Section, Daniel Routledge, call for the scientific community to tackle research fraud and paper mills head on by creating robust...

As PLOS Medicine enters a new chapter, its leadership sets out a bold editorial vision grounded in evidence, impact and equity. In a rapidly evolving global health landscape, the journal reaffirms its...

Nguyen and Lee discuss how universal practice of kindness is a public health action. Using empirical evidence of randomised controlled trials combined with Rose’s theoretical framework of preventive medicine authors propose how acts of kindness, specifically self-kindness and self-compassion, can improve mental health outcomes.