Hay fever is about as unpleasant experience as many of us will ever have. The short fevers, sinus infections, runny noses and scratchy throats are not the preferred way to spend a few days or even a few weeks.

A genetically modified form of rice currently under development in Japan is said to be able and bring relief to Japanese citizens who struggle with hay fever.

For some, the term "genetically modified" anything sounds scary, and especially when related to food consumption. In this case, modified forms of rice could be engineered with health-enhancing characteristics that would be designed to help consumers battle the effects of hay fever.