This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.
Food allergies are on the rise—but new treatments are on the horizon
It’s an exciting time for the allergy field, experts say. Here’s what to know about what causes food allergies—and the new research that may help us cope with them.
Nine-year-old Smith Craft was photographed in 2018 after she participated in a clinical trial for the oral immunotherapy drug Palforzia, which protects against severe reactions to accidental exposure to peanuts. Approved by the FDA in 2020, it’s the first and only peanut allergy drug.
Read This Next
Go Further
Animals
- How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?
- Fireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect themFireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect them
- Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?
- This ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelryThis ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelry
- Why 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmedWhy 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmed
- SeaWorld allegedly violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?SeaWorld allegedly violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?
Environment
- Seaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate changeSeaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate change
- Is banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserveIs banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserve
- Dust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructiveDust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructive
- Japan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the PacificJapan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific
History & Culture
- How the Stonewall uprising ignited the pride movementHow the Stonewall uprising ignited the pride movement
- They were seeking a mythical oasis—and found a Stone Age surpriseThey were seeking a mythical oasis—and found a Stone Age surprise
- Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holidayWhy do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holiday
Science
- Fossils reveal predator's struggle to survive mass extinctionFossils reveal predator's struggle to survive mass extinction
- You can't detox your uterus—debunking popular myths about PCOSYou can't detox your uterus—debunking popular myths about PCOS
- Raging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on MarsRaging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on Mars
- The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.
- How a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issuesHow a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issues
Travel
- Is America’s first wilderness area still wild at heart?Is America’s first wilderness area still wild at heart?
- A UK break in Falmouth, Cornwall's maritime boomtownA UK break in Falmouth, Cornwall's maritime boomtown
- An essential guide to the street art scene of Kaunas, Lithuania
- Paid Content for Advertiser
An essential guide to the street art scene of Kaunas, Lithuania - Canada's greatest natural wonders: what not to missCanada's greatest natural wonders: what not to miss