The Science of Hayfever
17 July - 18 mins
Podcast Series
Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill
As Ireland basks in an unusual spell of hot weather, many are dealing with another less-welcome side effect of summer: hayfever. In this week’s episode of Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O’Neill unpacks the biology behind this common allergic reaction and explains the science that’s literally in the air.
Luke explores what hayfever actually is – and clears up a common misconception: despite the name, hay itself isn’t the cause. He looks back at when hayfever was first diagnosed, how our immune system responds to pollen, and why different types of pollen (from trees, grass, or weeds) affect people in different ways.
You’ll also learn about leukotrienes, powerful immune system chemicals...
Series Episodes
