Rachel Nowak writing for New Scientist on Genetically modified grass snuffs out hayfever:
A hypoallergenic grass genetically modified to lack two common hay-fever allergens is set to enter field trials in the US.
The researchers behind the GM grass hope it will help shift public opinion around the world in favour of GM crops. "The beauty of this grass is that it will benefit the wider public not just the primary producer," says German Spangenberg of the Plant Biotechnology Centre at La Trobe University.
What a great innovation. Growing up in Central Illinois with moderate to severe seasonal allergies, I spent many a beautiful summer day indoors in front of the air conditioning. While my time was well invested reading Heinlein, Clarke, Asimov, Bradbury, Van Vogt and Silverberg, instead of hiding from pollen, ragweed and cut lawn grass I'd much rather have been enjoying my spring and summer outside. So, while this company has only worked on two different types of grasses, I'm guessing the same process could be applied to other types of grasses, particularly those native to the U.S. Maybe in a decade or so, there will be fewer 12 year olds looking out the window while a beautiful day passed them by…