Articles tagged with Hair
Researchers have created a range of permanent hair dyes that avoid the allergenic properties of traditional formulations, producing a range of hues from rosy pinks to deep blacks. The new dyes were found to be less reactive toward proteins and generated a reduced inflammatory response in cells compared to PPD.
Scientists have developed a new technique to extract DNA from the 'cement' head lice that attached eggs to hairs of ancient humans. This method reveals clues about pre-Columbian human migration patterns in South America, allowing for the study of unique samples from mummified remains where bone and tooth samples are unavailable.
A new Rutgers study found that the use of hair products like hair dyes, bleach, relaxers, and mousse is associated with lower levels of sex steroid hormones in pregnant women. Disruptions to these hormones may contribute to adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes. Socioeconomic variables also influence personal care product use among p...
A new study led by the American Museum of Natural History suggests that the extinct ground sloth Mylodon was an omnivore, contrary to previous assumptions. The researchers analyzed amino acid nitrogen values in fossil samples to determine their diet, finding evidence of meat consumption.
Researchers developed nanoscale insecticidal hair coating for prolonged anti-lice protection, reducing re-treatments and side effects. The coating, formed using halloysite nanotubes, retains its protective properties after washing the animal's hair.
A new microneedle patch containing cerium nanoparticles has been designed to combat both primary causes of baldness: oxidative stress and insufficient circulation. The patch showed faster hair regrowth in a mouse model compared to a leading treatment.
Gender-affirming hair removal procedures were associated with reduced rates of past-month severe psychological distress, past-year smoking, and past-year suicidal ideation. The study analyzed data from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey.
Researchers from four universities collaborate to develop novel building materials using natural Black hair texture and styling practices. The team translates African American cultural practices into architectural applications, creating transformative built environments.
A new study in Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering found that the hairs on spider legs exhibit unique adhesive properties, with each hair showing different strengths and weaknesses on various surfaces. The researchers believe this diversity may be key to how spiders can climb diverse surfaces.
A Canadian researcher has reclassified a rare bee thought to be one of the rarest in the world, discovering it is an unusual specimen of a widespread species. The discovery was made using DNA barcoding and morphological analysis, confirming that the bee is part of the California digger-cuckoo bee genus.
A new study using data from the Black Women's Health Study found no association between moderate or heavy use of hair relaxers and breast cancer risk in black women. However, heavy users of lye-containing products were found to have a 30% increased risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
A University of Alberta study finds that brown bears who rub against trees more often tend to have more offspring and more mates. The research team analyzed bear hair samples from over 900 rub sites and found a correlation between tree-grating behavior and reproductive success.
A ceremonial tsantsa was authenticated and repatriated to Ecuador in 2019, with researchers confirming its origins using CT scans and assessing 33 criteria. The artefact's unique features, such as a distinctive hairstyle and three holes in the lips, matched those of SAAWC culture group members.
A new study reveals that women are choosing to go grey as a means of self-expression and authenticity, despite societal pressure. Despite potential negative consequences, many report feeling happier and more confident in their natural appearance.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed carbon dots from human hair waste to enhance perovskite solar cell performance. The carbon nanodots form a wave-like layer surrounding the perovskite crystals, protecting them from environmental factors and improving power conversion efficiency.
Research by the University of Granada found that women experiencing stress before conception are almost twice as likely to give birth to a girl. Higher cortisol levels in hair were also detected in mothers who gave birth to girls, suggesting a possible biological mechanism.
The study used thin films of PETN, grown on different surfaces, to determine how surface cleanliness affects film properties. The research team also developed a specialized setup to visualize shock waves using schlieren imaging, which revealed that gaps around the size of a human hair could stop detonations from continuing.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new manufacturing technique that uses spinning and curing to form soft, solid structures resembling artificial hairs. The method leverages simple physics to solve engineering problems and promises to play a key role in developing robotic sensing capabilities.
A new study by researchers from Linköping University suggests that long-term stress is a risk factor for heart attacks. Cortisol levels in hair samples were found to be statistically significantly higher in individuals who suffered a heart attack, even after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers have discovered a phenomenon where extreme black holes exhibit 'gravitational hair', a measurable quantity that depends on the black hole's formation process. This finding violates the 'no hair' theorem, which states that all black holes are identical and can be fully characterized by their mass, spin, and charge.
Drain flies have evolved a specialized hair coating that allows them to shrug off water droplets of almost any size. This nanoscale roughness gives the wing surface superhydrophobicity, minimizing contact between water and wing.
A study by St. Edward's University found that bearded sales personnel are viewed as more expert and trustworthy than clean-shaven counterparts, leading to increased purchase likelihood and satisfaction. The researchers discovered this effect regardless of the salesperson's race or ethnicity, age, attractiveness, and context.
Researchers have isolated sensory hairs from the Venus flytrap and identified genes that convert mechanical stimuli into electrical signals. The discovery sheds light on how plants can detect and respond to touch, revolutionizing our understanding of plant biology.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed a strategy to identify criminals from a single strand of hair, leveraging the composition of hair dye products. They employed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to distinguish between different dyes applied to individual strands of hog hair.
Researchers found dinosaur feathers and mammalian hair preserved in amber from 105-110 million years ago, shedding light on ancient ecosystems. The discovery reveals a new conservation process called 'pull off vestiture', where small portions of animal epidermal structures are trapped by sticky resin.
Researchers at UCL and King's College London developed a novel earwax sampling technique to measure cortisol levels, which appear more stable than traditional methods. The new device can be used at home without clinical supervision, facilitating medical check-ups while maintaining social distancing.
Northwestern University researchers create a spectrum of natural-looking hair colors by catalyzing synthetic melanin with enzymes. The new process avoids toxins and allergens found in traditional dyes, providing a sustainable alternative for hairstylists and consumers alike.
Researchers have discovered a molecular break that controls the length of plant roots, influenced by hormones ethylene and karrikin. The study found that the protein SMAX1 acts as a molecular break for ethylene production, stimulating long root growth and short root hairs.
Research team successfully visualized intracellular calcium concentrations in the Venus flytrap, revealing that its short-term memory can be explained by changes in calcium concentration. The study demonstrates how a single contact event triggers a burst of calcium ions, which then trigger a second stimulus to close the trap.
Viking identity was not limited to Scandinavian ancestry, with Scottish and non-Scandinavian ancestry found in some individuals. Gene flow from the British Isles, Southern Europe, and Asia also occurred during the Viking Age.
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a biocompatible material with reversible shape memory. The material, made from recycled keratin protein, can be 3D-printed into any shape and change its structure in response to moisture.
Researchers found a slight increase in risk of ovarian cancer and some types of breast cancer among women who used permanent hair dyes. Natural hair color was also associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, while the use of darker hair dye colors may be linked to higher concentrations of ingredients.
A study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus challenges a decades-old hypothesis on adaptation in the inner ear's sensory cells. The researchers found that adaptation does not involve a mechanical change in the hair bundle, contrary to existing models.
New research from Duke University reveals that Black women with natural hairstyles are perceived as less professional and less likely to get interviews. The study found that biases against natural hair can perpetuate race discrimination in the workplace.
Daily use of high-dose biotin supplements among US adults has steadily increased since the early 2000s, with most consumers using these products for hair and nail growth. The study's findings suggest a growing interest in biotin as a supplement to support overall health.
Studies using realistic shaving experiments and in situ electron microscopy found that differences in cutting angle, microstructural variation, and location of variations contribute to blade failure. Implementing homogeneous microstructures at the cutting edge could be achieved through nanostructured alloys.
Human hair is 50 times softer than steel yet can cause razor blade chipping and wear. Researchers found that the blade's microstructure and angle of approach to hair play key roles in initiating cracks.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that hair isotopes can reveal a person's diet and socioeconomic status. The analysis showed lower-SES areas displaying higher proportions of protein coming from cornfed animals, correlating with obesity rates.
A study analyzing discarded hair found in trash bins reveals that low SES populations consume more corn-fed animal proteins, a potentially riskier dietary choice. The findings suggest a correlation between diet and socioeconomic status, with implications for health outcomes.
Researchers found graying hair does not linearly progress with age in chimpanzees, but rather plateaus after midlife, leading to a 'salt and pepper' appearance.
A new study reveals that a single slow touch on the Venus flytrap's trigger hair can also trigger trap closure, allowing it to catch slow-moving larvae and snails. The researchers used highly sensitive sensors and mathematical models to determine the forces needed to trigger the mechanism.
A new study detects biologically relevant AMH levels in human hair samples, which strongly correlate with serum levels and AFC. The results suggest a non-invasive test of ovarian reserve using hair samples may be more accurate and cost-effective than traditional blood tests.
A Swiss-German research team found that first-year students from academic households exhibit higher stress levels due to the fear of jeopardizing family social status. Hair cortisol analysis revealed no differences in subjective stress perception between academic and non-academic families.
A KAUST study investigates the insect's physical features and movement to evade sea dangers, revealing a highly water-repellant waxy coating and specialized body hairs. The team also discovers the insects' extraordinary acceleration, using it as inspiration for new liquid repellent technologies and materials design.
Twisting 2D materials has uncovered their superpowers, revealing exotic physical behaviors such as high temperature superconductivity and structural super-lubricity. Aalto University's researchers have developed a new method for making twisted layers, allowing precise control of the twist angle on a large scale.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new hair dye process using synthetic melanin that mimics natural human hair pigmentation. The dye, tested under mild conditions, produces natural-looking colors that persist for at least 18 washes, avoiding toxicity and allergies associated with traditional hair dyes.
Researchers at Northwestern University created a gentler hair dye process using synthetic melanin, with conditions similar to or milder than those used for commercially available dyes. The natural-looking colors persisted for at least 18 washes, posing less damage and health risks compared to traditional methods.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University develop a technology to modify hair fibers using functional ceramic nano containers, expanding the field of application for natural fibers. The technology can change aesthetic properties, protect against biodegradation, and release topical anti-inflammatory drugs.
Researchers found that plant root hairs significantly reduce soil erosion by binding soil particles and increasing soil cohesion. The study suggests that root hairs may release materials that reinforce soil or enhance its properties, providing new insights into soil conservation.
Researchers found that commonly used hormone analysis method in animal hair can overestimate cortisol levels by up to ten times. A more comprehensive mass spectrometry analysis revealed significant discrepancies and suggested the need for careful validation of each enzyme immunoassay before using it on hormone analysis from hair samples.
Researchers at Louisiana State University have discovered a new species of shrew, the Sulawesi hairy-tailed shrew, which has thick hair on its tail and climbs trees. The discovery highlights the significant diversity of mammals in Indonesian islands, with many habitats remaining unexplored.
Researchers found that a specific gene is switched off in alpine plants, allowing them to grow hairs and protect against UV sunlight. The discovery could aid the production of useful chemicals and provide insights into plant evolution.
A newly discovered genetic element on dog chromosome 15 influences coat color intensity by affecting pigment distribution along the hair. Dogs with higher copy numbers of this region have more intense coat colors.
Researchers discovered hair bundle development occurs in a feedback loop where form follows function and function drives form. In mice, stereocilia widen simultaneously with the onset of mechanotransduction, suggesting a critical importance of early development for reversing hearing loss.
A study conducted by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found that pregnant women in coastal Florida have higher mercury concentrations in their hair due to fish consumption, particularly from the Indian River Lagoon. The study also highlighted the importance of education on safe seafood sources and spe...
Researchers studied the hair strength of various mammals and found that thin hair tends to be stronger than thick hair due to its hierarchical structure. The study's findings could help scientists design better synthetic materials with comparable properties.
University of Guelph researchers have discovered that cortisol, a key stress hormone, accumulates in fish scales slowly and remains there for weeks. This allows scientists to gauge long-term stress levels without invasive blood tests.
A study published by NIH found that frequent use of permanent hair dye and chemical straighteners increases breast cancer risk, especially among African American women. Women who regularly used permanent dyes were 9% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who didn't use hair dye.
Researchers have made the tiniest radio-frequency antennas reported yet, with thicknesses of about 1/100 of a human hair. The new antennas were created using extremely thin sheets of a 2D material and performed well in receiving and transmitting radio waves.
New research suggests that nearly extreme black holes can appear to regrow hair through a phenomenon known as 'scalar hair', which is made of a massless scalar field. However, this hair is transient and eventually disappears, leaving the black hole bald again.