Recent research from Tel Aviv University suggests that plants communicate their stress levels through distinct, ultrasonic sounds. This finding aligns with previous work by Indian scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose, who illuminated the complexity of plant perceptions and responses. His work, seen under a new light today, signifies his ongoing impact in contemporary science.
The Impactful Work of Jagdish Chandra Bose
Contributing significantly to plant research, Bose’s scientific inquiries led him to demonstrate that plants can feel pleasure and pain comparable to animals. Using his expertise as a physicist, he designed delicate instruments capable of picking up even the minutest signals from plants. His analyses encompassed plant movement, responses, and the functioning of their nervous systems. The term “feelings,” a concept traditionally associated with sentient beings, was first used by Bose in the context of plants’ reaction to touch.
The Life and Times of Jagdish Chandra Bose
Born to Bama Sundari Bose and Bhagawan Chandra Bose on November 30, 1858, in Bengal, Jagadish Chandra Bose became a renowned Plant Physiologist and physicist. He invented the crescograph, a novel device to measure plant growth, and was among the first to attest that plants exhibit emotions. After earning a BSc from University College London (in association with the University of London) in 1883, he completed his BA (Natural Sciences Tripos) from the University of Cambridge in 1884.
Bose’s Scientific Contributions and Accomplishments
A multifaceted scientist, Bose wore many hats—biologist, physicist, botanist, and even an early science fiction writer. He pioneered wireless communication and is recognized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering as the Father of Radio Science. Bose also gained acclaim for being the first to generate electromagnetic signals in the microwave range. His work played a key role in advancing experimental science in India, earning him the title of ‘father of Bengali science fiction’. To honor his significant contributions, a lunar crater bears his name Even posthumously.
Furthermore, Bose founded one of the oldest and most prestigious research institutes in India, the Bose Institute. Established in 1917, this institute marked the inception of interdisciplinary research in Asia.
Bose’s Literature
Bose left an indelible mark in scientific literature through his books, “Response in the Living and Non-Living” (1902) and “The Nervous Mechanism of Plants” (1926). These literary works offer comprehensive insights into his groundbreaking research and experiments in plant biology and physics.
Death and Legacy
Jagadish Chandra Bose left this world on November 23, 1937, in Giridih, Bihar. Yet, his profound influence on plant physiology, physics, and science fiction continues to inspire scientists even today. His legacy keeps unfolding as researchers delve deeper into plant intelligence, endorsing the enduring relevance of Bose’s pioneering work.