Climate change lengthens allergy seasons while gut health reveals hormone secrets

New research highlights the growing impact of climate change on seasonal allergies. Scientists warn that pollen counts could rise sharply, extending high-pollen periods by up to 19 days. Meanwhile, other studies explore the links between gut health, hormones, and disease prevention. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examines how gut bacteria influence estrogen levels. Specific microbes and enzymes help regulate the hormone’s circulation in the body. Disruptions to these microbial communities may lead to excess estrogen, increasing the risk of breast and endometrial cancers.

The research also notes that people in industrial societies and formula-fed infants have a greater ability to recycle discarded estrogen. This finding suggests that diet and probiotics could play a key role in managing hormonal balance and preventing disease.

In unrelated work, sociologist Dalton Conley’s book The Social Genome argues that genetics can predict aspects of a person’s life, such as education level and future income. The book presents a controversial perspective on how deeply biology may shape social outcomes.

Separately, a review of drug trials reveals that pregnant women are often excluded from testing. Over the past 15 years, 75 percent of trials did not include them, citing safety concerns. As a result, the effects of many approved drugs on pregnant women remain uncertain. The studies underscore the need for better understanding of both environmental and biological factors in health. Longer pollen seasons may worsen allergies, while gut health could offer new ways to regulate hormones. Meanwhile, the exclusion of pregnant women from trials leaves gaps in medical knowledge for this group.