Japanese Researchers Engineer Pollen-Free Cedar Trees
Posted on March 26, 2013
Scientists from Japan's Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute have engineered an allergy-free cedar tree. Japan Today reports that the tree scientists used genetic recombination to alter the DNA of the trees and render them pollen-less.
Japan has a major hay fever problem because the government encouraged citizens to plant millions of cedar trees in the 1940s. The trees began maturing and releasing pollen in the 1960s and Japan's allergy woes began. The Japan Times says the project is in the experimental stage and scientists first need to verify the safety of the pollen-free cedar trees before it can start using them.
Last year, there were reports of new pollen-free cedar trees being planted in Japan. However, the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute says these trees are only viable in certain conditions. The Japan Times article says the Institute is looking for a "nation-wide solution."
ABC News reports that pollen-free pine trees have been engineered in the U.S.
