For those with feline allergies, raising chickens may provide relief by reducing exposure to cat allergens.
In the ever-evolving world of science, a new method has been proposed to help alleviate the troubles of cat allergy sufferers. Researchers have discovered that feeding cats antibody-rich chicken eggs could potentially reduce the levels of the allergen responsible for cat allergies, offering a unique solution to a common problem.
The process is simple yet fascinating. Chickens, when exposed to the cat allergen Fel d 1, naturally produce antibodies against it. These antibodies are then incorporated into their eggs. When cats consume a diet supplemented with powdered chicken eggs containing these antibodies, the antibodies bind to Fel d 1 protein within the cat, reducing the amount or activity of the allergen produced or present on the cat's fur and dander. As a result, the allergen levels emitted by the cat decrease, making the cat less allergenic to people.
A 26-week study, partially funded by Purina, has shown promising results. Feeding cats these antibody-rich egg powders led to a measurable decrease in Fel d 1 on cats, potentially alleviating allergy symptoms in cat owners without directly treating the humans.
However, it's essential to note that this method is still experimental. The eggs must be specially processed and powdered to avoid risks from raw eggs, such as salmonella or avian flu. Also, this approach does not permanently cure allergies but offers a novel way to reduce allergen exposure by modifying the cat's allergen production itself.
Meanwhile, in the realm of colour science, a new colour called Olo has been revealed. Olo activates only the medium-sensitive cones in the eye, a range of colour that is theoretically invisible to humans due to the overlapping sensitivities of cone cells. This colour was revealed using a new system called Oz, which stimulates individual photoreceptor cells in the eye with lasers.
For those who enjoy delving into the strange and fascinating, there's a podcast called "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week." This hit podcast provides strange science-adjacent facts, figures, and Wikipedia spirals, making it a new favourite source for many listeners. The podcast is created by the editors of a certain website and is released every-other Wednesday morning. It can be found on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and other podcast platforms.
The use of xenon gas in mountain climbing has stirred controversy, with four British climbers managing to speedrun Mount Everest in just five days, in part due to their use of xenon gas. Xenon gas is rumored to increase red blood cell production and protect the brain at extreme altitudes. However, the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation has issued a statement poo-pooing the use of xenon, and the World Anti-Doping Agency has banned xenon in sports. Mountaineering purists are criticizing the use of xenon in climbing, and there is debate on whether we should continue to find new ways to climb Everest or if we should reconsider its impact on the environment and purity of the sport.
Mount Everest continues to be a magnet for controversy, including elitist tourism and ecological damage. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, it's important to remember the potential impact on both the environment and the integrity of the sport.
[1] [Fel d 1-targeting antibodies in chicken eggs reduce cat allergen levels in cats](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673619308453) [2] [Can feeding cats antibody-rich chicken eggs reduce cat allergens?](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191211131734.htm) [3] [New study shows potential for reducing cat allergens by targeting Fel d 1 with antibodies in chicken eggs](https://www.purina.com/news/fel-d-1-targeting-antibodies-in-chicken-eggs-reduce-cat-allergens) [4] [Cat allergen reduction using Fel d 1-targeting antibodies in chicken eggs](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5961184/)
In the context of health and wellness, the new method involving feeding cats antibody-rich chicken eggs could potentially reduce the levels of cat allergens, offering a unique solution to some medical conditions associated with cat allergies. For fitness and exercise enthusiasts, the use of xenon gas in mountain climbing has been a subject of controversy, with purists debating its impact on the environment and integrity of the sport.
