PLoS Currents
PLoS Currents is an open-access publication for the extremely rapid communication of new research findings, which minimizes the delay between submission and publication. PLoS Currents is organized in sections that cover particular topics. The first section was launched in August 2009, and focused on influenza research. In 2010 the project was extended and now includes the following sections:
- PLoS Currents: Huntington Disease (produced with support from the CHDI Foundation)
- PLoS Currents: Evidence on Genomic Tests
- PLoS Currents: Influenza
There are two key features that make PLoS Currents different, and much faster, than a conventional journal. First, each section of PLoS Currents is run by a group of expert researchers — the Board of Reviewers led by two or three Editors. This group reviews all submissions and determines as rapidly as possible if the conception, structure and presentation of the submission indicate that it is a legitimate work of science and does not contain any obvious methodological, ethical or legal violations. As long as the work passes this test, it is published. The peer review process is the responsibility of the Editors of each section.
The second key difference from conventional journals is that the submissions to PLoS Currents are written and published using a web-based tool, called google knol. Authors are in complete control over the content and appearance of their submission, and once it has passed the review process, articles are published immediately. Upon publication they are also archived at PubMed Central, where they are given a unique ID, so that the work can be cited.
By accelerating the sharing of new findings in this way, PLoS Currents has the potential to accelerate the research cycle itself.
Further information about PLoS Currents and its mode of operation can be found on the individual sites or by sending an e-mail to currents@plos.org.
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