The Secret Language of Plants From quiet flower beds to dense forests, plants are far from silent. Research over the past decades has shown that plants “talk” to each other using chemicals, subterranean networks, and even electrical pulses. A wounded plant may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air that warn neighbors of herbivores. It may alter the chemicals in its roots to inhibit nearby competitors or to recruit helpful microbes. Below ground, mycorrhizal fungi weave the roots of multiple plants into an “information highway” that transmits nutrients and alarms. Even electrical signals can jump from leaf to leaf: recent experiments show that a heat or wound signal in one plant can flow through a drop of water (or even a copper wire) into a touching neighbor, triggering defense responses. Taken together, these channels form a complex signaling network . In effect, plants employ a sort of “language” – made of chemical “words,” electrical “pings,” and shared fungal t...

From intricate woven nests to towering termite cities, nature is full of astonishing architects. These creatures don’t need blueprints or tools—just instinct, skill, and a little creativity. Here are five of the most impressive animal builders: 1. The Baya Weaver: The Bird That Weaves Hanging Nests Found across India and Southeast Asia, the  baya weaver  is famous for its  pendant-shaped nests , intricately woven from grass and leaves. These nests hang from thorny trees or palm fronds, often near water to deter predators. Colonies of these nests create a stunning sight, swaying in the breeze like nature’s own hanging gardens. 2. The Harvest Mouse: The Tiny Rodent That Builds on Stilts Weighing just  8 grams , the  harvest mouse  is a master of miniature construction. It weaves  spherical nests  from grass blades, perched high on corn stalks or reeds—sometimes a meter above the ground! These elevated homes keep the mice safe from predators whi...