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Ideas that once had early scientists burnt at the stake are today accepted as the most basic facts that define our world. But heresy isn't a thing of the past — Dr. Monica Gagliano has faced criticism throughout her career for her work that pushes the boundaries of accepted science. Her pioneering work has demonstrated, for the first time, that plants emit their own ‘voices’ and detect and respond to the sounds of their environments. In this talk, Monica introduces us to her latest research project, that might be her most 'heretical' work yet.

Monica pioneered the research field of plant bioacoustics, for the first time experimentally demonstrating that plants emit their own ‘voices’ and detect and respond to the sounds of their environments. Her work has extended the concept of cognition (including perception, learning processes, memory) in plants, re-igniting the discourse on plant subjectivity and ethical and legal standing. She applies a progressive and holistic approach to science – one that is comfortable engaging at the interface between areas as diverse as ecology, physics, law, anthropology, philosophy, literature, music and the arts, indigenous wisdom and spirituality.

Monica Gagliano, PhD is a Research Associate Professor in evolutionary ecology and director of the Biological Intelligence (BI) Lab supported by the Templeton World Charity Foundation. Her latest project-in-the-making is a global initiative called Resonant Earth: Planetary Regeneration thru Sonic Midwifery. www.monicagagliano.com This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx