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Some hair loss in men is linked to use of weight loss drugs

A new study by NYU Langone Health found a genetic link between GLP-1 use and increased risk of male-pattern hair loss. The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, showed that men using GLP-1 medications for weight loss had a 7% added risk of losing their hair due to the medication

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2026

GLP-1 diabetes drugs linked to increased risk of hair loss

Researchers have found a potential side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes: an increased risk of non-scarring alopecia. The absolute risk is low, but awareness may inform treatment decisions. Rapid weight loss and hormonal changes are thought to be contributing factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

Low doses of antibiotic work just as well as higher ones to treat rare type of chronic hair loss

Researchers found that lower doses (20mg) and higher doses (100mg) of doxycycline were equally effective in treating lymphocytic scarring alopecia, a rare skin condition causing permanent hair loss. The low-dose regimen resulted in fewer side effects and no compromise on efficacy or anti-inflammatory benefit.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2025

Scientists from IOCB Prague are on track of finding a treatment for autoimmune hair loss

Researchers from IOCB Prague have developed a compound that could treat alopecia areata by targeting the immune system. The substance, a series of prodrugs based on derivatives of itaconic acid, has shown efficacy in mice tests and may be administered orally.

Mane attraction: Molecular ‘switch’ may control long scalp hair

A team of researchers from Penn State and the University of California, Irvine, have proposed a novel theory on the molecular basis underlying human scalp hair growth. They suggest that long scalp hair initially evolved to protect early human ancestors in equatorial Africa from intense heat and solar radiation.

SourcePenn State·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateJan 23, 2025

Hair growth drug safe at low doses for breast cancer patients

A study suggests that low doses of the commonly prescribed hair loss treatment minoxidil are safe and effective for regrowing hair in most breast cancer patients. The researchers found that all participants who took a low dose of oral minoxidil saw improvements in hair growth or stabilization within three to six months.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2024

New gene for "spindle hair" decoded

Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn identified a new gene, KRT31, responsible for dominantly-inherited monilethrix, a rare congenital form of hair loss. The discovery improves diagnosis and sheds light on the genetic mechanism underlying this condition.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateSep 4, 2024

Obese children are more likely to develop skin conditions related to the immune system

A large-scale study investigated the relationship between childhood obesity and immune-mediated skin diseases (IMSDs), such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The study found that obese children were more likely to develop these conditions, with changes in body weight affecting their risk of developing these diseases.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2024

Crnic Institute clinical trial shows JAK inhibitor improves multiple autoimmune conditions in patients with Down syndrome

A clinical trial shows that JAK inhibitors improve autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis in people with Down syndrome. The study also observed improvements in arthritis and decreased biomarkers of autoimmune thyroid disease.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournaleLife·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 13, 2024

Researchers develop microneedle patch to reverse hair loss caused by autoimmune disease

A new microneedle patch has been developed to treat autoimmune disease alopecia areata by delivering immune regulators to affected skin areas, promoting lasting hair regrowth. The approach restores immune balance and resolves T cell attack on hair follicles, offering a potential long-term solution without compromising the immune system.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 6, 2024

Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategy

Researchers discovered distinct mechanisms controlling different types of immune cells and found a way to selectively eliminate 'problematic' cells driving autoimmune disorders. This breakthrough offers precise targets for potential treatment strategies, potentially revolutionizing the way we treat skin conditions.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

New findings on hair loss in men

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified five rare genetic variants associated with male-pattern hair loss. The researchers analyzed the genetic sequences of 72,469 male participants from the UK Biobank project and found associations between rare variants in genes such as EDA2R, WNT10A, HEPH, CEPT1, and EIF3F.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2023

A better wig — with chemistry

Researchers developed a nanocomposite coating method using Langmuir-Blodgett technology to improve wig durability, reducing UV damage, breakage, and static electricity. The new coating provides better coverage than previous methods and can be scaled up for mass production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 13, 2022

Stigma toward those with hair loss

Researchers assessed stigma levels among people with varying degrees of hair loss, revealing a significant impact on mental health and self-perception. The study found that those with noticeable hair loss reported feelings of shame and low self-confidence, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 10, 2021

A bald gene find­ing

A recent study found a gene variant in the SGK3 gene causing hairlessness in Scottish Deerhounds. The defect results in puppies born with thin fur that loses all their hair in weeks. This discovery may also provide insights into human non-hormonal baldness, as the SGK3 gene is also associated with early hair loss and baldness.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalHuman Genetics·DateApr 1, 2019

Heavy drinking and smoking linked to visible signs of aging

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that heavy drinking and smoking are associated with visible signs of physical ageing. Light to moderate drinking was not linked to biological ageing or slowing down the visible ageing process.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 15, 2017

Study explores the seasonality of hair loss

A new study analyzes Google Trends data across eight countries, finding summer and fall seasons correlate with greater hair loss. The findings provide evidence for seasonality in hair loss at a population level, supporting future research into the physiology of the hair cycle.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateOct 24, 2017