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Canberra parents lack allergy awareness: Study

A new study found that nearly four percent of ACT kindergarten children have a peanut allergy, while some parents take inappropriate action when dealing with their child's allergy. Parents should administer oral antihistamines and seek medical attention in case of severe allergic reactions.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·DateMar 16, 2009

Even natural perfumes may cause allergies

Natural aromatic oils can trigger allergic reactions, according to a study by Lina Hagvall at the University of Gothenburg. The research found that common perfume substances, like geraniol and lavender oil, can become allergens through autoxidation and skin enzyme reactions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalContact Dermatitis·DateFeb 3, 2009

Of Mice and Peanuts: A new mouse model for peanut allergy

A new mouse model for peanut allergy has been developed by Chicago researchers, mimicking symptoms of a human allergic reaction to peanuts. The model uses a mixture of whole peanut extract and staphylococcal enterotoxin B to stimulate an immune response, producing severe symptoms similar to those found in human anaphylaxis.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 12, 2009

Drinking milk to ease milk allergy?

Researchers found that gradually increasing doses of milk protein over time can help children with severe and persistent milk allergy tolerate the allergen, reducing symptoms and building tolerance. The study suggests oral immunotherapy may be a promising treatment option for food allergies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 30, 2008

Researchers find cause of severe allergic reaction to cancer drug

A new study has discovered that specific pre-existing IgE antibodies are the primary cause of severe allergic reactions to cancer drug cetuximab. The research found these antibodies were more prevalent in certain regions of the US, including Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Carolina, which have higher rates of anaphylactic reactions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 12, 2008

Allergic response tied to lipid molecules in cell membrane

Researchers at Penn State University have discovered that lipid molecules in cell membranes play a key role in triggering allergic reactions. The team used advanced imaging techniques to show how cholesterol-rich lipid domains associate with IgE antibodies and their receptors, leading to histamine release and allergic symptoms.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 7, 2008

Research finds allergic children exposed to peanuts at younger ages despite recommendations to avoid

A study published in Pediatrics found that children with peanut allergies are being exposed to peanuts at younger ages than recommended. The median age of first exposure and reaction dropped from 22-24 months to 14-18 months over the last decade, suggesting a potential conflict between guidelines and real-world practices.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 4, 2007

Giving asthma T(he)SL(i)P by blocking OX40

Researchers identified a role for OX40 in TSLP-induced allergic reactions, finding that blocking its interaction reduced allergic responses in mice and monkeys with asthma. The study suggests OX40-OX40L interactions as a promising therapeutic target for treating allergic diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 3, 2007

Researchers develop buckyballs to fight allergy

A research team at Virginia Commonwealth University has identified a new biological function for buckyballs, discovering they can block allergic responses in human cell culture experiments. The buckyballs inhibit a basic process in cells that leads to the release of an allergic mediator, preventing mast cells from releasing histamine.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 20, 2007

Newer contrast agents safe for children

A recent study found that acute allergic-like reactions to newer nonionic contrast agents are rare in children, occurring in only 20 out of 11,306 pediatric IV administrations. The study confirms the safety and better understands the risks of these agents in children.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJun 7, 2007

Experimental ragweed therapy offers allergy sufferers longer relief with fewer shots

A new study found that an investigational therapy reduced allergy symptoms in adults for at least a year after just six injections of the major ragweed allergen, Amb a 1, coupled to a unique DNA sequence. The therapy showed promise in reducing symptoms and improving quality-of-life scores compared to standard immunotherapy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2006

Deadly latex evading lax food labelling laws

A recent UK study found that one third of food packaging tested contained latex, with transferable amounts causing severe reactions. The lack of labelling poses a significant risk to individuals with natural rubber latex allergies, who can be exposed to deadly levels of the allergen.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateAug 6, 2006

Suppressing the cells that trigger cat allergy

Researchers from Imperial College London identified a population of T cells that can suppress the proliferation of allergen-reactive T cells in vitro. This finding suggests a potential new approach to treating cat allergy, which has become more frequent in industrialized countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 28, 2005