Plants are incredibly sensitive – what we learned about their response system could help protect humans

By Miguel de Lucas, Associate Professor in Biosciences, Durham University

At first glance, plants may seem passive – but beneath their stillness lies a world of complexity and constant activity. Plants are highly sensitive to their surroundings, continuously monitoring environmental signals to adapt and survive. Think of them as nature’s nosy neighbours, always alert to what’s happening around them.

From subtle shifts in light and temperature to the presence of pollinators, microbes, or changes in soil salinity, plants…

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