Science

Trees Team Up: How a Solar Eclipse Sparked Their Bioelectrical Synchronization

2025-05-26

Author: Olivia

Trees in Sync: A Groundbreaking Discovery During a Solar Eclipse

In a stunning revelation from the breathtaking Dolomites, researchers have discovered that trees display remarkable collective cognition and communication. A multidisciplinary team monitored a forest during a solar eclipse and unearthed extraordinary behavior among the trees.

They observed that tree bioelectrical activity synchronized during the eclipse, with this alignment initiated by the oldest trees—a remarkable 14 hours before the celestial event even began!

Published in the prestigious Royal Society Open Science, this study highlights the vital role of ancient trees in their ecosystems and their profound responsiveness to environmental changes.

Innovative Research Methods Unveil Tree Communication

Armed with custom-built, low-power sensors, scientists from Italy, the UK, Spain, and Australia recorded simultaneous bioelectrical signals from multiple trees across the forest.

As charged molecules flow through the cells of living organisms, they generate electrical signals known as an organism's "electrome." This study aimed to observe this phenomenon amid the awe-inspiring darkness of an eclipse.

The team theorized that such a significant event would elicit collective behavior in the trees. While some speculate that trees communicate through light and scents, bioelectrical signals represent the only known method of interaction akin to dialogue.

Lead researcher Professor Alessandro Chiolerio stated, "We have uncovered a deeper, previously unrecognized dynamic synchronization not based on matter exchanges among trees." He emphasized viewing the forest not just as a collection of individuals, but as a synchronized orchestra of plants.

Old Trees Hold Secrets to Survival

The results were remarkable: the electrical activity of the trees became notably synchronized during the eclipse, particularly among the older specimens, which were around 70 years old. Their response to the impending eclipse was markedly stronger than that of younger trees, hinting at their evolved ability to predict and react to cyclical events.

Even tree stumps from a storm-damaged patch showed similar bioelectrical synchronization, indicating they remain part of this natural communication network.

Implications for Conservation and Understanding Nature's Genius

This research exemplifies the intricate web of forest life, suggesting far-reaching implications for conservation efforts. Co-author Monica Gagliano noted, "Old trees cannot simply be replaced; they need protection because they embody ancestral knowledge critical for our forests' resilience and adaptability. This study may pave the way for new scientific inquiries into tree communication and the importance of ancient forests."