# Plant-Texting Amphibians Male Red-Eyed Tree Frogs Shake Tree Branches to Communicate By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-06-20 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-eyed-tree-frogs References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/science/25obfrogs.html) & [blogs.discovermagazine](http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2010/05/20/tree-frogs-shake-their-bums-to-send-threatening-vibes/) Researchers at the [Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nitrogendriven-recovery-boost) have discovered that male red-eyed tree frogs use the vibrations of shaken plant branches to communicate. Using his back legs to do frantically fast push-ups against a plant branch, a male tree frog that feels threatened by another telegraphs vibrations through the plant. The frog receiving the message often returns the same signal. Initial hypotheses drawn from observations of the [vibrational communication](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tim-vibe) were tested on male red-eyed tree frogs using a [robotic frog](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot) and mechanical shaker to simulate territorial bickering. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Vibrational Communication:** Opportunity for developing new technologies that enable communication through vibrations in various industries. - **Biomimicry:** Potential for applying the study of red-eyed tree frogs' communication techniques to create innovative products or solutions in various industries. - **Natural Signaling:** Exploring how other animals utilize natural signals to communicate and adapting those mechanisms to improve communication in different industries. ### Where This Applies - **Biotechnology:** Disruptive innovation opportunities for developing bio-inspired communication systems using vibrational signals. - **Internet of Things (iot):** Applying biomimicry and vibrational communication principles to enhance connectivity and communication in IoT devices and networks. - **Military and Defense:** Leveraging natural signaling methods, like vibrational communication, for covert or secure communication strategies in military operations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Powered MIDI Sound Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-hultn-tegel.md) - [Botanical Signal Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-pulses.md) - [Compact Bio-Synth Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-scion.md) - [Frog Inspired Clogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frog-clog.md) - [Creature-Themed Amphibian Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esenes-worldwide-frog-clogs.md) - [Aggressive Frog-Inspired Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gshock-master-of-g-frogman-gw8200tpf1.md) - [Wearable Communication Vests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inxects-vest.md) - [Bioacoustics Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haiku-box.md) - [Durable High-End Frog-Inspired Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goliath-frogman.md)