Photo: Plant Networks Can Send Warnings, Spread Viruses

Email to a Friend << Back to Full Story


Strawberry plants like the one seen above are often connected to their neighbors by underground or surface stems called runners.

Researchers have now found that the plants can communicate warnings and other signals along this network the same way humans use the Internet—but this also leaves the plants vulnerable to spreading viruses.

Photograph by Altrendo nature/Getty Images

MOST VIEWED NEWS

PICTURES: 2012 Doomsday Myths Debunked

2012: Six End-of-the-World Myths Debunked

APOCALYPSE PICTURES: 10 Failed Doomsday Prophecies
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS

ADVERTISEMENT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's National Geographic Photo of the Day

• Today's Photo

• Download as Wallpaper

50 Drives of a Lifetime

National Geographic Traveler has scoured the globe for the world's most beautiful, interesting, and off-beat road trips. Dive in to get drive directions, quizzes, photos, and more.