New Research: Mice May Help Your Hair Regrow
November 25, 2009
Did you know that mice may hold the key to your natural hair re-growth? Scientists have discovered how to regenerate dead or dormant hair follicles in mice. This research could provide helpful data that may one day create the technology necessary for human hair re- growth.
What the University of Pennsylvania Discovered
The tests were conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine with stem cells, which were placed on damaged skin. It was observed that damaged hair follicles actually began regenerating. The newly regenerated hair follicles grew hair normally, although hair pigmentation was absent.
Scientists believe the reason for the hair follicle regeneration is due to a signaling protein in the stem cells. In fact, epidural cells that were not normally part of the hair growth process started making hair follicles. That led scientists to believe that the properties of the stem cells signal the existing epidermal cells to change its programming and start making new hair follicles.
What the Research Means for Your Hairline
This discovery is in the early stage, and we can’t expect a product out on the shelves this holiday season for revolutionary new hair growth. Stem cell research is still heavily regulated and human testing is likely years away. In fact, some researchers say that this type of hair regeneration is only possible in mice and may not be possible on other mammals. These skeptics believe that if it ever does arrive to the human testing stage, the results of new hair growth would probably be sparse.
To further explore the potential of this discovery, the lead researcher from the study at the University of Pennsylvania has helped create a new company called Follica. Follica is a hair loss company that heavily relies on follicle regeneration research, and it is expected to announce some exciting new hair loss control products soon related to follicle growth. It has conducted trial tests of new products in 2009 and is in the process of evaluating the results.
However, until those results are announced, men and women with hair loss still must make choices about products and processes currently available to them. Keep your browser posted here for more information in the future about new announcements in hair loss technology and products!
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