Riches and Farmer explain that plants havestomata, which are pores on the surface of their leaves.
But unlike humans, leaves breathe in and out atmospheric gases at the same time.
Once they noticed this unexpected phenomenon, Riches and Farmer tried to reset a leaf to its normal rhythm.
Photo: lightpoet/Depositphotos
To do so, they altered the leafs temperature and humidity, clearing its airways.
With this, the leaf suddenly improved, restarted photosynthesis and began emitting volatile organic compounds.
They are effectively holding their breath, but not before they have been exposed to the smoke.
Photo: Wirestock/Depositphotos
Photo: Tramp-KHV/Depositphotos
Photo: Alexandrumusuc/Depositphotos
