Plants Are Stressed by Noise

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Plants were grown in a lab with 73 decibles of traffic noise going for 16 hours a day. The other plants were left to grow in peaceful silence. After 15 days, the researchers looked at the biochemistry of newly grown leaves and plants from both conditions. Results weren't good. It suggests that plants actually are quite stressed by noise - even when it's not massive amounts of ultra sound.

The Gambia’s first-of-its-kind case at the International Court of Justice might bring a rebuke and shine light on Myanmar’s brutal tactics. It might not, alas, bring succour for the Rohingyas. Our correspondent considers a grand geopolitical gamble from exactly 50 years ago, seeking lessons for today from Richard Nixon’s visit to China. And research reveals that noise stresses plants out. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer