In some ways, plants are a lot like us. They need water to survive. They love the sun but not too much of it. And as Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Associate Professor Ullas Pedmale jokes, “They like social distancing. Before it got popular during the pandemic, they always practiced social distancing.” Ever notice that trees growing next to each other never seem to touch? That’s what Pedmale is talking about.
How do plants manage to maintain proper “social distancing” without eyes to see what’s around them? For that matter, how do they adapt to changes in their environment—like, say, a sudden 16-inch snowfall—without a brain for planning and decision-making? Press play to see Pedmale break down the incredible ancient biology that enables plant life to survive and thrive on planet Earth.
Regular viewers will notice a few changes in our latest Cocktails & Chromosomes video. We’ve moved up the street to Six Harbors Brewing Company in Huntington, New York. (Hence, the kegs in the background!) And we’re happy to say that even with over a foot of snow on the ground, dozens of our curious neighbors joined CSHL for our first public event of 2026. Thank you to everyone who braved the cold!