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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

Having a bad hair day? Blame your genes!

A new study has identified four genetic variants associated with the direction of human scalp hair whorls, revealing a polygenic inheritance pattern. The findings may help unravel biological processes related to abnormal neurological development.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023

Coaxing hair growth in aging hair follicle stem cells

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a way to soften stiff hair follicle stem cells, enabling them to grow hair again. By boosting the production of microRNA-205, they promote hair growth in both young and old mice, offering potential for human hair regrowth.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Study links “stuck” stem cells to hair turning gray

Researchers found that melanocyte stem cells, responsible for hair color, lose their ability to mature and maintain hair color as people age due to getting stuck in the skin. The study showed that these 'stuck' cells cease regenerative behavior when they're no longer exposed to WNT signaling, leading to graying and loss of hair color.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023

A molecular atlas of skin cells

A detailed molecular atlas of skin cells has been created, revealing over 50 different cell types and new variations of cell types. The study uncovers how cells are coordinated during hair growth and rest, providing vital knowledge on the flexibility of the skin.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 27, 2020

Hair ice mystery solved

A team of scientists in Germany and Switzerland have identified the fungus Exidiopsis effusa as the cause of hair ice. The researchers found that the fungus enables the ice to form thin hairs, which are stabilized by a recrystallisation inhibitor provided by the fungus.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalBiogeosciences·DateJul 22, 2015

Pause the paunch and halt the hair loss

Scientists have discovered that changes in the hair growth cycle affect fluctuations in the thickness of underlying fat tissue, allowing skin to regulate fat production. This breakthrough could lead to topical creams that 'pause' fat cell growth, treating obesity and hair loss.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2014

Women's chin, abdomen are good indicators of excessive hair growth

Researchers have found that examining the chin and upper/lower abdomen is an accurate and minimally invasive way to screen for excessive hair growth in women, which can be up to 80% effective. This method has significant implications for diagnosing PCOS and related health risks such as insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateNov 2, 2011

Regrowing hair: UCLA-VA researchers may have accidentally discovered a solution

Researchers at UCLA and the Veterans Administration may have accidentally discovered a solution to regrow hair by blocking a stress-related hormone, according to an article published in PLoS One. The compound, astressin-B, induced long-term hair growth in chronically stressed mutant mice through a short-duration treatment.

Video shows nanotube spins as it grows

The study provides the first experimental evidence of how individual carbon atoms are added to growing nanotubes. The rotation proceeds in discrete steps, resembling the halting motion of a mechanical clock's second hand, with approximately 24 steps per rotation.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 27, 2009

Getting to the roots of hair loss

Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a gene responsible for Hypotrichosis simplex, a rare hereditary form of hair loss. The study's findings offer new hope for developing targeted therapies for various forms of hair loss.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 24, 2008

New Hair in 15 Days

Scientists at the University of Michigan Medical School have discovered that ß-catenin can induce new hair growth in adult hair follicles. The study found that brief activation of ß-catenin in telogen-phase hair follicles is sufficient to initiate the anagen phase, leading to new hair growth within 15 days.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 14, 2003