Researchers of Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) has demonstrated for the first time that two different types of micro-organisms — bacteria and fungi — use fragrances, known as terpenes, to hold conversations.
Terpenes act as pheromones — chemical signals used by animals — which makes them a regular ingredient of perfumes.
So it’s likely that the language of terpenes forms a vast chemical communications network indeed.
The researchers have demonstrated that bacteria and fungi do in fact respond to each other. According to them, it is most spoken language on earth.
