%$?# Allergies!

It’s the season for sneezin’!
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Springtime means the arrival of green grass, bright flowers, and buzzing bees. But for many of us, it’s also about sneezing, watery red eyes, and a runny nose, thanks toallergies. In this week’s video, you’ll learn why we get allergies, how our immune system turns against us to attack pollen and pets, and why allergies seem to be on the rise in developed nations.

Hygiene hypothesis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygiene_hypothesis

Spread of allergies in developed nations: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v479/n7374_supp/full/479S2a.html

TGF-beta and allergies: http://bit.ly/1HXjm05

Microbiome and allergies: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-28934415

Gut microbes and peanut allergy in mice: http://news.sciencemag.org/biology/2014/08/gut-microbe-stops-food-allergies


Have an idea for an episode or an amazing science question you want answered? Leave a comment below!
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It’s Okay To Be Smart is written and hosted by Joe Hanson, Ph.D.
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Joe Hanson - Creator/Host/Writer
Joe Nicolosi - Director
Amanda Fox - Producer, Spotzen Inc.
Kate Eads - Associate Producer
Andrew Matthews - Editing/Motion Graphics/Animation
Katie Graham - Director of Photography
John Knudsen - Gaffer
Dalton Allen - Post-Production Intern

Theme music:
“Ouroboros” by Kevin MacLeod

Other music via APM

Stock images from Shutterstock, stock footage from Videoblocks

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Last week’s video:
How Many Stars AreThere? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh8-ZUIX_1o

More videos:
Why Does February Have 28 Days? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgKaHTh-_Gs
Why Vaccines Work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aNhzLUL2ys
Why Are Some People Left-Handed? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPvMUpcxPSA
Where Does theSmell of Rain Come From? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGcE5x8s0B8