Dolomites Trees Dance in Sync During Solar Eclipse!

Quick Smiles:

• During a solar eclipse, trees in the Dolomites synchronized their bioelectrical activity.
• The oldest trees initiated the synchronization process 14 hours before the eclipse.
• This study highlights the critical role of older trees in forest ecosystems.

In the picturesque Dolomites, a fascinating discovery has emerged about the hidden life of trees. A group of international researchers monitored a forest during a solar eclipse and found that trees synchronized their bioelectrical signals, a phenomenon led by the oldest trees.

The study emphasizes the invaluable role of mature trees in their ecosystems. These trees not only responded to the eclipse but initiated the synchronization process well in advance, demonstrating their ability to anticipate environmental changes.

Using innovative sensors, the team recorded simultaneous bioelectrical responses from multiple trees. Charged molecules in living organisms transmit electrical signals, collectively known as the organism’s “electrome.”

“By applying advanced analytical methods—including complexity measures and quantum field theory—we have uncovered a deeper, previously unrecognized dynamic synchronization not based on matter exchanges among trees,” explained Professor Alessandro Chiolerio.

This research challenges the perception of a forest as merely a collection of individual trees. Instead, it reveals a complex network where trees act in concert, like an orchestra.

The older trees, approximately 70 years old, displayed a more pronounced response to the eclipse compared to a younger tree. This suggests that older trees have developed mechanisms to respond to cyclical events, much like their adaptation to seasonal changes.

Even tree stumps, remnants of a storm, showed bioelectric synchronization, albeit at a lower level. This indicates they are still part of the forest’s network, contributing to its resilience.

“This is a remarkable example of the wood wide web in action,” said co-author Monica Gagliano. “It reinforces the idea that the old trees cannot simply be replaced by replanting, they need to be protected because they hold ancestral memories that allow for resilience and adaptation.”

This study not only sheds light on the intricate communication among trees but also underscores the importance of conserving older trees. They are vital for maintaining the balance and adaptability of forest ecosystems.

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