/oss/taxonomy/term/847/all en /oss/article/covid-19-health/cloth-masks-given-ok-do-they-work <p> </p> <hr /> <p><em>This article was first published in</em><span> </span><a href="https://montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/christopher-labos-cloth-masks-given-the-ok-but-do-they-work/">The Montreal Gazette<span>.</span></a></p> Fri, 10 Apr 2020 16:32:02 +0000 Christopher Labos MD, MSc 8215 at /oss /oss/article/you-asked/does-pollen-transfer-directly-flower-stamen-my-nose <p>And then when I sneeze, can the pollen travel to pistil and pollinate a flower?</p> <p>An interesting question. Given that an allergic reaction is caused by the transfer of pollen to the nasal cavity, the reverse path is theoretically possible when a person sneezes. However the chance that  the amount of pollen transferred is significant enough to cause pollination is minimal.</p> Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:01:07 +0000 OSS 1858 at /oss /oss/article/science-science-everywhere/dirt-and-allergies <p style="text-align:justify">As our hygiene and cleanliness improves it seems we become more susceptible to allergies. It's as if our immune system is yearning for action, but having no enemies in the form of infectious agents or parasites to battle, it targets harmless substances present in the environment. This constitutes an allergic reaction. Central to this reaction are specialized proteins known as antibodies. Specifically, IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies are implicated.</p> Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:56:36 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1564 at /oss