Pollen allergy app launched as part of largest Swiss study of its kind
The Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) and the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) have launched a free smartphone application on pollen allergies in Switzerland. Data from the app will serve as the basis for a scientific study. Called "Ally Science", the app is available from Tuesday in the four national languages and in English. It enables users to maintain their pollen allergy diary, check pollen forecasts, and together with the app community generate real-time representations of increases in allergy symptoms in different parts of the country. The anonymised data generated from user accounts will feed into the largest-ever scientific study of pollen allergies in Switzerland. Data generated is stored on a secure platform, and users can opt out of the study if they wish. “The health-related data recorded via the app and used in the USZ study in anonymised form will also contribute to important new discoveries that could improve forecasts/early-warning systems and ...