Wildlife

Scientists have recorded the sound plants make when they are under stress

Although they might not be audible to human ears, plants do make noises. Researchers in Israel found that plants make a high frequency clicking sound when placed under stress.

During a six year study, the researchers listened to a variety of plants including tomatoes, grapevines, tobacco and wheat. The plants made noises when they were cut or when they were thirsty. The frequency of the sound is too high for human ears, but could be heard by insects or mammals. But researchers say more analysis needs to be done to find out why.

Report on stranded marine animals dead due to avian influenza situation - Chile

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service has reported a considerable increase in the stranding of dead marine animals on the Chilean coasts during the first quarter of 2023. In total, 1,535 specimens of sea lions, 730 Humboldt penguins and 8 chungungos are reported that have stranded dead on the coasts of the central and northern macro-zones, the main affected regions being: Arica and Parinacota with 709 dead sea lions and 343 dead Humboldt penguins, the Tarapacá region with 195 dead sea lions, the Antofagasta region with 218 dead sea lions and the Atacama region with 226 dead Humboldt penguins.

"During these three months of the year we recorded a historical number of dead stranded marine animals, corresponding to 2,273 specimens of these three species. The total number of these stranded animals dead for a full year in 2022 was 160, and in 2021 there were 129 dead specimens in total. This shows that we are clearly facing an anomalous situation, which we attribute to the phenomenon of highly pathogenic avian influenza, especially since the strandings in these months are concentrated in the northern zone," said the report.