To trap its prey, the Venus flytrap sends rapid electrical impulses, which are generated in response to touch or stress. But the molecular identity of the touch sensor has remained unclear. Japanese scientists have identified the molecular mechanism that triggers that response and have published their work in a new paper in the journal Nature Communications.

The paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63419-w

Scientists unlock secret to Venus flytrap’s hair-trigger response

Ion channel at base of plant’s sensory hairs amplifies initial signals above critical threshold.

Ars Technica (arstechnica.com)