HEALTH NOTES: Hay fever sufferers breathe easy as Japanese scientists create pollen-free trees

Scientists have created pollen-free trees to help reduce the number of hay fever sufferers.

Japanese researchers identified a common gene found in specific trees that triggers the production of pollen – a substance that spreads seeds. With gene-editing technology, they were able to remove this strand of DNA and stop the production of pollen.

Studies show that around half of the British population suffers from pollen allergies – also known as hay fever – which leads to sneezing and itchy eyes.

Naturally pollen-free trees include cedar and juniper trees. The scientists, from the Japanese Forest Research and Management Organisation, say their discovery will make producing more pollen-free trees ‘straightforward’.

Say ahh… to the AI dentist

Artificial intelligence (AI) dentists could soon be rolled out to help with the UK’s nationwide shortage of dental workers.

University of Surrey researchers have developed an AI computer program that can analyse X-rays and spot the signs of tooth decay and gum disease. A study found that the program was more likely to spot the early signs of these problems than dentists were.

Experts say the findings could help free up resources at a time when the UK is experiencing a record shortage of dentists.

Research suggests around 95 per cent of NHS dental practices are not accepting new patients due to a lack of staff.

University of Surrey researchers have developed an AI computer program that can analyse X-rays and spot the signs of tooth decay and gum disease (stock photo)

Nearly two-thirds of elderly people in the UK are at risk of receiving medical care too late, as they do not have a monitoring system in place which can alert family members or the NHS if they have a fall or a medical emergency, a survey has found.

The NHS recommends a number of devices to help the elderly stay safe at home, such as personal alarms worn on the wrist and emergency pull cords in bathrooms. But the data shows that just 30 per cent of older adults in the UK have similar systems in place.

The survey, by Essence SmartCare, also found that half of elderly people live more than an hour away from their children, raising the risk further.

Doctors should offer cystic fibrosis patients exercise tips, according to new guidelines.

The incurable, inherited condition, which affects 11,000 Britons, causes the lungs and digestive system to become clogged up with mucus. This can cause breathing problems and, over time, damage the lungs.

Last week, experts published new guidelines urging GPs to offer patients an annual fitness test. Dr Zoe Saynor, a clinical exercise expert at the University of Portsmouth, said: ‘All sufferers of an appropriate age should have access to exercise testing to understand their health and be given individualised advice.’