The Know Daily - Wednesday 2 April 2025

_{Read in 4m 22s ∙ Listening to Jessica Baio ∙}

UK supermarket Morrisons is launching Sensory Support Boxes full of toys designed to encourage calmness and focus. The project aims to “help autistic and neurodivergent customers have a positive shopping experience”.

🤧 Springtime sneezing

Spring is finally here – but so is hay fever season.

What is it?

Hay fever is an allergy to pollen – the commonly yellow powder that plants produce. Pollen has proteins that can cause an allergic reaction resulting in hay fever – think, sneezing, a blocked nose and itchy eyes. Rainy days can be a relief for those experiencing the condition, as pollen can be cleared from the air. On the other hand, humid, windy days mean pollen spreads easier, so symptoms can get worse.

When is it?

There’s actually 3 different hay fever seasons depending on pollen types. Tree pollen is first (and the current stage the UK is in), running from late March to mid-May and affects 25% of those with hay fever. Next up is grass pollen, which typically lasts from May until July. It affects many susceptible to hay fever since there’s 150 types of grass pollen flowering at the same time. Lastly is weed pollen, which usually occurs from the end of June to September.

How’s this year shaping up?

This year, hay fever symptoms are expected to be more intense than 2024. Trees that produce pollen in the UK – like birch, hazel and alder –  tend to have low and high levels of severity. This time around it's at a high level, according to scientists at the University of Worcester.

What can I do about it?

While there’s no cure, there’s a number of methods to manage symptoms:

• Consult a pharmacist for treatments like antihistamines and nasal sprays

• Wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen getting in your eyes

• Put petroleum jelly around nostrils to trap pollen

• Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth

👗 Creative clone: Global fashion retailer H&M has announced plans to use AI-generated clones of its models, working with them and industry experts to do so “in a responsible way”.

• The bigger story: Whilst the models will be paid when their digital twins are used and own the rights to them, more legislation is needed to make sure “humans remain at the centre of creative endeavours”, according to an entertainment union. Plus, there are wider consequences for the whole artistic network, such as makeup professionals, hair stylists and photographers.

🗣️ Transforming thoughts: Researchers have developed a device that “translates thoughts about speech into spoken words” in real time, giving a voice to those physically unable to speak.

🇺🇸 Tariffs latest: US President Donald Trump is set to announce Liberation Day global import tariffs today - this is what we know so far.

🚇 Tube travel: Plans for a Europe-wide tube network have been announced, connecting 39 destinations.

🧒 Time for tots: The English government has announced the first phase of school-based nurseries providing 30 hours of government-funded childcare to support early education and family finances.

🧘 Self-care sanctuary: Wellness rooms are gaining popularity in peoples’ homes - would you create your own?

🐦 Stunning snaps: The Scottish Nature Photography Awards winner has been announced - see all the amazing images here.

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Trivia answer: A) Gigli comes from Tagalog – check out other new non-English entries here.

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