What is pollen with A/Prof Ed Newbigin

The pollen and allergies pod

In this episode, A/prof Ed Newbigin enlightens us on the intricate world of pollen—its forms, functions, and impact on plant mating seasons. A must-listen for anyone curious about the role of pollen in the plant kingdom and how it influences our environment.

🌼 Unlocking the Secrets of Pollen: Nature's Tiny Matchmakers 🌼

Join us for a fascinating journey into the world of pollen with Associate Professor Ed Newbigin. In this episode, we dive deep into the intricate details of what pollen really is, how it functions in plant reproduction, and why some people develop allergies to it.

Discover the beauty of pollen grains under a microscope and learn how plants have evolved to use wind or animals like bees for their pollination needs. Explore the science behind different pollen seasons, the impact of climate and geography, and why allergies vary from person to person.

If you've ever wondered why pollen counts matter or how to manage pollen allergies, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to help you navigate pollen season and breathe easier.

Tune in and gain a new appreciation for these tiny, often underestimated particles that play a significant role in the natural world and in our daily lives. 🌿🤧 #PollenScience #Allergies #NatureInsights

Time-Stamps

### Introduction

- **[00:00:00]** Start

- **[00:00:07]** Sam introduces the topic and asks Ed, "What is pollen?"

### What is Pollen?

- **[00:00:10]** Ed draws a comparison between pollen and human sperm and explains its role in plant reproduction.

### Pollen Under the Microscope

- **[00:00:45]** Sam inquires about the microscopic appearance of pollen.

- **[00:00:47]** Ed describes the diverse shapes and sizes of pollen grains and mentions two broad types.

### Types of Pollen Transmission

- **[00:01:21]** Ed explains the adaptations in animal-transported pollen grains vs. wind-transported.

- **[00:02:27]** Ed clears up that pollen grains aren't individual cells but cells within cells, like "Russian dolls."

### Pollinators and Pollen

- **[00:03:18]** Sam asks for examples of pollen carried by animals.

- **[00:03:36]** Ed talks about how flowers attract animal pollinators.

### Grass Pollen and Allergies

- **[00:06:13]** Sam discusses how common ryegrass pollen allergies are.

- **[00:06:26]** Ed describes identifying if ryegrass is pollinating.

### Pollen Seasons

- **[00:08:06]** Sam mentions the varying pollen seasons in different regions, as noted by Nick Osborne.

- **[00:08:36]** Ed explains how the climate and geography affect the timing of pollen seasons.

### Timing of Plant Mating

- **[00:09:29]** Sam wonders if plants prefer mating seasons.

- **[00:09:32]** Ed explains the different factors influencing a plant's "mate" or release pollen.

### Predicting Pollen Seasons

- **[00:10:55]** Sam asks about predicting pollen seasons using data and models.

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## Outro

That wraps up this informative episode on pollen, its varieties, and how it finds its way from one plant to another. Thank you for listening!