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Published in “Day: May 6, 2026”

Rice Seeds Sense the Sound of Rain

NFK Editors - May 6, 2026
Rice Seeds Sense the Sound of RainAn illustration showing rain falling onto water's surface above submerged rice seeds, with visible concentric ripples emanating from the impact point and a small sprout emerging from one seed.

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have discovered that rice seeds that "hear" the sound of raindrops seem to sprout faster than those that do not. The study is the first to suggest that seeds can sense sound, and use the information to help them "decide" when to sprout.

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